Scandal in the ÖTTV: Do Gotschke and Fegerl threaten the funding away?

Scandal in the ÖTTV: Do Gotschke and Fegerl threaten the funding away?

On Sunday there is a decisive choice in the table tennis association ÖTTV. The current President Wolfgang Gotschke and sports vice president Daniel Fegerl are exposed to massive allegations that could have serious effects on the future promotion of the verb. The current management team should be confirmed during the election. Bundes-Sport GmbH, responsible for the promotion of sport in Austria, can hire the state funding for 2025, which includes a seven-digit amount, reports vienna.at .

Michael Sulzbacher, commercial managing director of Bundes-Sport GmbH, has already announced that the current management of the ÖTTV is forced from the perspective of the funding guidelines. He refers to severe allegations against Gotschke and Fegerl, which include psychological violence and neglect in dealing with athletes. An intermediate report of an investigation commission used showed that the relationship between the players and the top of the association is heavily burdened. Despite these serious allegations, Gotschke and Fegerl have maintained their candidacy for re -election.

Financial risks and consequences

The allegations mentioned could have serious financial consequences for the ÖTTV. In the funding contract, provisions are anchored, the repayments or the loss of funding provides in the event of re -election if trust in the proper management should be shaken. This is about a total of 1.8 million euros for the year 2025, of which an installment has already been transferred that urgently need to be repaid, if there is a funding stop.

Bundes-Sport GmbH has expressed strong doubts about the proper management in the ÖTTV, according to Sulzbacher. Even the allegations do not have to be legally demonstrated in order to lose funding; The determination of doubts alone is sufficient to withdraw financial support. Lawyer Gernot Schaar, who represents the interests of the ÖTTV, has criticized and announced the influence of Bundes-Sport GmbH to defend itself legally, if a funding stop occurs.

allegations under the magnifying glass

In order to clarify the allegations, an investigation commission was used, which consists of Hubert Dobrounig, Walter Windischbauer and Helmut Jäger. The Commission is intended to carry out further surveys on the allegations against the management level of the ÖTTV. Athletes such as Daniel Habeshso express that the allegations can be verified and that comprehensive information is necessary. According to reports, ultimats and pressure are exerted on athletes who can result in far -reaching consequences. Sofia Polcanova, number one in the Austrian table tennis, has not commented on the allegations.

The allegations against Gotschke and Fegerl relate, among other things, to mental violence and neglect. Stefan Korn's legal letter, who represents several athletes, caused excitement because he addresses the management of the ÖTTV directly and mentioned massive attacks. Gotschke rejected the accusations and emphasized that he was surprised and affected by the allegations. Both officials require clarification by the independent investigation commission.

With the upcoming election and the great uncertainties about the majority in the general assembly, which consists of the state associations and honorary presidents, the course for the future of the ÖTTV on the brink. The pressure and expectations are enormous - not only for the candidates, but also for the entire table tennis community in Austria. The European Table Tennis Championships, which start in Linz on October 15, predict their shadows and could bring further developments in this charged context.