Behind the scenes
Pressure mounts! ÖFB quake after Rangnick rejection
Behind the scenes at the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), the latest chapter in the "never-ending story" of the current failure of officials is being written. Following the ÖFB's disastrous performance at the executive committee meeting on January 31 and the subsequent outcry in the red-white-red soccer scene, a real bombshell is now on the horizon.
A veritable storm of resistance is brewing against ÖFB President Wolfgang Bartosch from some provincial associations. According to the "Krone" newspaper, the Styrian will be replaced as head of the association at the general meeting in Bregenz on May 18: Then comes the fifth new ÖFB president since 2023!
Successful coach Ralf Rangnick even declined an invitation to the presidium meeting on Friday and preferred to stay away. "My participation in the presidium meeting last year was the express wish of the president and external advisor Walter Pürzl. They both implored me to attend this Executive Committee meeting. Looking back, I wouldn't do it again. I would much rather not have been there," the ÖFB team boss had already pointed out the catastrophic situation in the association in November with an unusual incendiary speech on his own behalf.
The "burden" remains
Rangnick had been asked about the transfer negotiations with Borussia Dortmund on "Canal+ Sport Austria" the previous week. The ex-Schalke coach had commented on the tempting offer from big local rivals BVB: "It's not the first time and nothing new that my name has been linked with various clubs. But I have now decided that it makes no sense to comment on such speculation. I made a decision in April 2024 to stay in Austria (note: and not go to Bayern), I fully identify with the job here and I'm really looking forward to seeing the players again in March and then the World Cup qualifiers will start in June."
Rangnick has already become a favorite German, and not just for soccer fans. Actually a "mission impossible" in Austria. The 66-year-old, who is extremely popular with the public and is close to the people, is currently keeping the ÖFB on course almost single-handedly. In the presidium, however, things continue to go haywire.
Head of the association Bartosch recently even rescinded the previously announced dismissals of his two operational bosses, causing a general shake of the head. General Secretary Thomas Hollerer and Managing Director Bernhard Neuhold are now to remain in their posts after all, although they have been arch-enemies of the entire association for some time.
The resentment is growing
"It's crazy how Austrian soccer presents itself to the public. Our national team is playing enthusiastically and won the group at the European Championship ahead of the heavyweights France and the Netherlands. Tens of thousands of red-white-red fans are celebrating a positive and peaceful festival at the European Championship in Germany, which is the envy of many other countries. And what are we officials doing? We behave like dilettantes: The people at the top are only interested in maintaining their power," a leading top official told the "Krone" newspaper.
A first regional association president has long since drawn the consequences: Horst Lumper, chairman of the Vorarlberg Football Association (VFV), is resigning from all positions at the VFV, ÖFB and also UEFA. "It had been an issue for some time. In the end, it became increasingly difficult to implement the opinions and style that I stand for in the ÖFB. The last few months and years have been extremely time-consuming at the ÖFB, also with an approach that I do not tolerate."
20 years on the ÖFB presidency: that's the end for Lumper! The 63-year-old draws the consequences. He will not be the last ÖFB official. But the worst-case scenario for the top boss is even worse: Bartosch is now even being vehemently rejected in Styria, his home province.
Who should replace Bartosch?
"It says it all when Ralf Rangnick refuses to come to the ÖFB presidium meeting and turns down an invitation with thanks. We finally have a successful team boss who has even turned down FC Bayern. You have to let it melt in your mouth. But what do we do? Present ourselves as a quarrelling bunch, unbelievable", said a powerful Styrian soccer official to the "Krone".
On May 18 in Bregenz, the structural reform is to be decided at the ÖFB's general meeting and a new head of the association and CEO are to be presented. To put it mildly: The chances are not very good that Bartosch will receive a majority. On the contrary. According to the "Krone", several candidates have already put themselves forward for the role of the new boss of Austria's largest sports association.
A position that is very attractive. Soccer moves people and has long since become a business worth millions. Two names are currently being touted as the most promising candidates: Roland Schmid, head of IMMOunited and market leader in Austria as a land register expert. Financially independent and (which is now preferred by many officials) an external candidate.
A big secret
"Under the presidents Beppo Mauhart and Friedrich Stickler, there was peace and quiet. We even brought the 2008 European Championships to Austria as organizers. An incredible achievement. After that, it was all downhill," an ex-ÖFB top employee told the "Krone".
Since 2008, Kurt Ehrenberger, Leo Windtner ("his change to the statutes unfortunately started the whole current crisis", according to the ÖFB source), Gerhard Milletich, Johann Gartner, Klaus Mitterdorfer and Wolfgang Bartosch have taken turns at the helm. The next man at the helm will soon arrive.
The second candidate alongside Roland Schmid will cause quite a stir in Austrian soccer. His name is currently being closely guarded in order to prevent a smear campaign in advance. It remains very exciting at the ÖFB.
This article has been automatically translated,
read the original article here.
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