Jauk before the decision: Bundesliga president remains uncertain!

Jauk before the decision: Bundesliga president remains uncertain!

Wien-Donaustadt, Österreich - Football in Austria is at a crucial point, because the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) is preparing for an important board election. The current President of the SK Sturm Graz, Christian Jauk is traded as a favorite. However, he is undecided about his candidacy and has not yet commented on his availability.

A total of ten votes are to be awarded in the election committee, with nine votes from the regional associations and a voice from the Bundesliga, represented by Philip Thonhauser. According to rumors, Jauk could count on the support of at least six national associations and the league, which brings him to a good starting position. Nevertheless, there is resistance, especially from the heads of the state association of Upper Austria, Gerhard Götschhofer, and Tirol, Josef Geisler.

The starting point for the election

The last meeting of the election committee ended after only 15 minutes because feedback from potential candidates was missing. The meeting was led by Martin Mutz from Carinthia and Josef Geisler. Experts estimate that there are "five to seven" candidates on the post of chairman of the supervisory board, whose new occupation should take place according to a structural reform on May 18, 2025. External candidates have little chance because Kurt Svoboda and Roland Schmid have already withdrawn. Michael Strugl is also not considered a candidate, while Stefan Sandberger could encounter resistance in the election committee. Outstanding opportunities could have Johannes Wutzlhofer from Burgenland and Brigitte Annerl from Hartberg.

The new association boss will have to accept various challenges. This includes the search for a CEO and the clarification of conflicts between the presidium and team boss Ralf Rangnick, as well as between ÖFB general secretary Thomas Hollerer and managing director Bernhard Neuhold.

Christian Jauk's previous successes

The 59-year-old Christian Jauk is not only an experienced football official, but also has a successful career in business. After a banking apprenticeship and studying in Graz and the USA, he was the CEO of Schelhammer Capital Bank AG and Bank Burgenland. Since taking office in the SK Sturm Graz in 2006, he has contributed intensively to the club work, especially in financial matters and future plans. In addition to maintaining intensive contacts to fan clubs and members, Jauk is also actively committed to social issues and women's football, which underlines his broad social responsibility.

It is particularly remarkable to his emotional commitment to the association. Jauk played a significant role in the rescue of SK Sturm Graz after bankruptcy in 2006. He noticed the impending bankruptcy at an early stage and mobilized his network in order to achieve a balance and secure the license. In the years after 2007 the club experienced a significant sporting upswing with a increased budget.

the ÖFB, founded in 1904, has had a moving story and is now faced with the challenge of staying strong in international football. The association has achieved significant success over the years, such as participation in World Championships and European Championships. The ÖFB is currently in the planning of a new training center in Vienna, which underlines the endeavor to improve the structure and efficiency of football in Austria.