Joacim Jonsson will step down as sports director of Vålerenga Fotball after the season. The decision follows positive dialogue between Jonsson and the club during the summer.
Jonsson has held a leading position at the club for four and a half years. He will remain in the role until the end of the year or until a successor is appointed. Søren Eriksen, chairman of Vålerenga Fotball Elite, stated the change is a natural one. "It is not unnatural with a change when we are to formulate a new long-term plan for sport," Eriksen said. The club will now recruit a new sports director who will have overall responsibility for the first team and the OBOS Vålerenga academy.
Joacim Jonsson has been central in generating significant income for Vålerenga through player sales. His tenure has been marked by work to build up the club both sporting-wise and financially. The main task for the new sports director will be to ensure the club follows its sports strategy. That strategy focuses on player development and player logistics.
Jonsson himself looks back on his time with satisfaction. "All in good time. Four and a half years is a long time in a leading position in a major football club, and turning the page to the next chapter I believe is both healthy and right," the soon-to-be former sports director said. He added that he leaves Vålerenga with a smile and that he and his children will remain lifelong supporters. They plan to be frequent visitors at Intility Arena in the coming years.
The club faces an important transition period while finishing the 2026 season on the pitch. The team recently played a dramatic 5-5 draw away to Aalesund on August 16th. That most recent result before the Jonsson news gave them a point and means the team is unbeaten in its last match.
The sporting situation can be followed closely on our stats pages. The work to find a new sports director begins now, and this person will have a vital role in shaping the club's future. Jonsson expressed a hope that Vålerenga will experience European football in the coming years.
The change in the sports director position comes as the club is set to craft a new long-term sports plan. Søren Eriksen emphasises that the timing of the shift is logical within this process. The new leader must address current challenges and opportunities immediately.
Supporters can expect a period of change, but the club has a solid foundation to build upon. Joacim Jonsson's legacy includes an improved financial base and a clear direction on player development. The next step is to ensure a seamless transition that maintains momentum. The fight to improve the league standing continues in parallel with this administrative work.
