Bischofshofen fights for ÖFB-Cup: security concept until the deadline!

Bischofshofen fights for ÖFB-Cup: security concept until the deadline!

On July 25, 2025, a historical event is on the program for SK Bischofshofen: The team will meet the renowned SK Sturm Graz as part of the Uniqa ÖFB Cup. The meeting has a high priority for the regional league team Bischofshofen, since the opponent will probably bring many fans. Nevertheless, there are currently massive security concerns that could result in a cancellation of the game. In a first inspection of the BSK stadium, the police were assessed that the sports facility for a match of this size was unsuitable. According to the statement, the club was unable to present a convincing security concept, which led to uncertainty about the game of the game.

Patrick Reiter, the manager of the SK Bischofshofen, is optimistic and emphasized that there has been no official cancellation so far. He does not believe that the game is canceled and emphasizes that the importance of this event for the region should not be underestimated. The club's sports facility has an approval for over 1,000 spectators. Reiter points out that around 1,700 spectators were present in a high -risk game against Austria Salzburg in 2022. In order to clean up the security concerns, the club works closely with the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), Sturm Graz and an external security company to develop a viable security concept.

security concept and responsible authorities

On July 7th, the SK Bischofshofen received the instruction to create a security concept that must be presented by July 15. A permit could then be granted on July 16 if the concept should meet the requirements. However, the district administration of Pongau expresses concerns about close conditions in the sports facility, lack of sector separation and the number of tickets already sold that exceed the expectations. Head of office Andreas Simbrunner has already indicated that the situation is uncertain and that the police have a negative assessment. A further review of the system is planned for July 21, and if the security concept is then assessed as insufficient again, the event permit will be refused.

Bischofshofen looks at a possible alternative solution. Rider mentioned that there are alternative options, but did not specify them. However, the game in the neighboring communities of Grödig or St. Johann is excluded, and an exchange of home rights is not possible according to the statutes of the ÖFB. Despite the challenges, the club remains confident that the game takes place in their own stadium.

security measures in football in context

The current discussions about security concepts in football are not isolated, but fit into a larger framework. A study created under the responsibility of Lothar Rieth deals with security measures in German football and looks at their effectiveness, evaluating, among other things, the cooperation between various actors, including associations, police and private security companies. In this context, Karl Rothmund, Vice President of the German Football Association, emphasizes the importance of prevention and security in football, which is also important for the situation in Bischofshofen.

Overall, it remains to be hoped that the responsible bodies will find a sustainable security concept to enable the game on July 25th and at the same time guarantee the safety of the audience. Riders and the rest of the club are determined to do everything to make the sporting framework worthy.