“I think a date in late February or early March is realistic,” Zwanziger told the German daily Die Welt, in an interview due to appear in Monday’s paper.

At the start of the month, the 66-year German boss had announced he planned to step down sometime next year, with his current term expiring in 2013.

DFB General Secretary Wolfgang Niersbach, 61, is tipped to replace him, having officially received support from Zwanziger, who said he’s ready to go soon.

“I would have no problem quitting tomorrow.”

Zwanziger has been in charge of the DFB since 2004. Germany is amongst the

favourites to win the UEFA European Championship in 2012, to be hosted by Poland and the Ukraine in June.

With 6.7 million members, the DFB is is one of the largest sports associations in the world.

Zwanziger says he wants to stay on FIFA’s executive committee until 2015, having been elected to replace compatriot Franz Beckenbauer in this year’s elections.

AFP/mw