Matthias Sammer has turned down the opportunity to become the new director of sport at Hamburg and will instead continue his duties with the German Football Association.

Sammer had been approached by Hamburg to fill a position which had been vacated by the departure of Dietmar Beiersdorfer last year, but he has opted to see out his contract as director of sport with the German FA (DFB) until 2013.

"After careful consideration and above all due to the situation that a quick decision was necessary, this is the decision that I have reached," explained Sammer after meeting with DFB officials in Frankfurt today.

"I am honoured by HSV's interest, but there are numerous tasks within the DFB which I am looking forward to."

I am honoured by HSV's interest, but there are numerous tasks within the DFB which I am looking forward to.
Matthias Sammer explains his decision

Sammer led Borussia Dortmund to their last Bundesliga title in 2002, but lost his job as head coach in 2004 as the club struggled to make progress in Europe.

He later worked for Stuttgart, but was dismissed only a year later after he failed to guide them into the UEFA Champions League, and he subsequently stepped back from club football, taking up his current role with the DFB in 2006.

Hamburg's offer of a route back into the Bundesliga had proven tempting, but he has instead chosen to carry forward the projects he heads with the DFB.

"Matthias Sammer has done many positive things for the development of German football in recent years and we are delighted that he will continue his engagement in the field of youth development in the future," said the DFB's president Dr Theo Zwanziger in a statement.

DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach added: "It is important for the DFB that we have clarity and planning certainty in such a position. We are even more pleased about Matthias Sammer's clear commitment to the DFB."