A new and modern approach

“Yes” to the reform! The ÖFB repositions itself

The reform was approved - much to the delight of ÖFB boss Klaus Mitterdorfer.

(Bild: Urbantschitsch Mario/GEPA)

The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) is taking a new and more modern approach: At Friday's Presidium Conference in Vienna, the 13 members approved the structural reform promoted by President Klaus Mitterdorfer with the required 2/3 majority. An important step towards professionalism, combined with personnel changes.

Mitterdorfer had already announced when he took office in July 2023 that he wanted to "make the association more modern and professional by strengthening the main office." The 13-member Executive Committee - the 9 presidents of the provincial associations, 3 Bundesliga representatives and Mitterdorfer - approved the plan on Friday with a 2/3 majority (Tyrol voted against, Upper Austria and Salzburg abstained). This clears the way for the reorganization.

Bundesliga boss is the favorite
In future, the ÖFB will be headed by a three-person management board, consisting of a CEO and a managing director for the areas of business and sport.

The position of head of sport will be taken over by the current sports director Peter Schöttel, as Mitterdorfer explained after the four-hour meeting. The appointments of the CEO - here the Bundesliga CEO Christian Ebenbauer is considered the favorite - and the Managing Director Economy are still open. He is "in good contact" with Ebenbauer, said Mitterdorfer. "But there are still many points he is thinking about."

Christian Ebenbauer

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

As this is an amendment to the statutes, a resolution is still required at an ÖFB Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled for May 18, 2025 in Bregenz. The election of the ÖFB President will also take place on this day - Mitterdorfer left it open as to whether he will run again.