BERLIN, Aug 25, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - German coach Christoph Daum, who led 
Stuttgart to the Bundesliga title in 1992, has died from lung cancer at the 
age of 70, the German Football League (DFL) confirmed on Sunday.

"German football is in mourning after the death of Christoph Daum. The former 
Bundesliga-winning coach has died at the age of 70 from long-term cancer," 
the DFL said in a statement.

Daum, who also coached Cologne and Bayer Leverkusen before winning titles in 
Turkey and Austria, went public with his cancer battle in October 2022, 
saying he wanted to raise awareness of the illness.

"I try to live my life and not let cancer dominate," Daum said.

As was typical during his decades-long career in football, the former coach 
was bullish in his fight, saying "cancer chose the wrong body".

"Christoph Daum has left a significant mark on German football," German FA 
(DFB) boss Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement.

"He was a pioneer of the modern game and he was combative and passionate 
until the end."

A colourful character, who missed out on the chance to coach Germany after 
failing a cocaine test, Daum twice guided Cologne to runners-up spots in the 
Bundesliga in the 1980s, both times behind Bayern Munich, before taking 
Stuttgart to the title in 1992.

Moving to Leverkusen, Daum finished runners up three times, losing the title 
to Bayern on the final day of the season with a loss at Unterhaching, when a 
draw would have brought the club a debut top-flight victory.

Bayern Munich proved to be his nemesis and the frequently outspoken Daum 
often butted heads with Bayern powerbroker Uli Hoeness.

After Euro 2000, Daum agreed to take over the head coaching position with the 
German national team but was implicated in a cocaine scandal before starting 
the job, fuelled by public accusations from Hoeness.

To prove his innocence, Daum offered to take a hair test -- but the results 
found traces of cocaine. The DFB's contract with Daum was torn up, forcing 
the coach abroad.

Having already won the Turkish title with Besiktas in 1994, he won two more 
with Fenerbahce, and also picked up a winners' medal in the Austrian 
Bundesliga with Austria Vienna.

Daum's final coaching post was as manager of the Romanian national team in 
2016-17.

Hoeness was one of the first to offer condolences on Sunday, revealing the 
two "made our peace years ago", adding "the news of his death affects me 
deeply".

In May 2024, Daum celebrated former club Leverkusen's league and cup double, 
with the club breaking through for a top-flight title for the first time.

Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso dedicated the title victory to Daum, saying the 
victory "must be shared and enjoyed" with the former manager.