Mitterdorfer says goodbye: New beginning in the ÖFB is imminent

Mitterdorfer says goodbye: New beginning in the ÖFB is imminent

The latest developments in the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) cause a stir, because Klaus Mitterdorfer has given up his position as president with an impressive sporting record. Under his leadership, the A-Team achieved 12 victories, 4 draws and 4 defeats. But despite this positive balance sheet Mitterdorfer had to recognize the signs of the times on Thursday evening and pull the consequences from the power struggle with the team boss Ralf Rangnick.

After several weeks of uncertainty and controversy, Mitterdorfer decided to retreat, which could lead to changes in the management of the ÖFB. The coordination planned for Friday evening about his desired candidate for the CEO position, Silvia Kaupa-Götzl, will not take place. The support of his presidium majority, which was previously for the cancellation of the managing director Thomas Hollerer and Bernhard Neuhold, also seems to have been faded.

a difficult argument

Mitterdorfer commented on his decisions and explained that the personal attacks and defamation of the past few weeks had heavily burdened both him and his family. He emphasized that he would not bend and that it was time to take responsibility. His empathy and the desire that football is back in the foreground testify to his appreciation for the sports community.

The person Ralf Rangnick was a decisive factor in this conflict. The German football coach is known for his ambitious and strategic approach. Mitterdorfer, who apparently classified Rangnick than too much, found himself in an unequal play game that he could not win. Rangnick, who is very keen to have control over all aspects of his work in the association, could not simply be pushed into a subordinate role.

To make matters, Mitterdorfers will initially be put on hold, which provided a clear separation between the responsibilities of a CEO and the football management, for the time being. Mitterdorfer found that the support for this reform had decreased in the past few days. Now the ordinary presidium meeting on November 29 is pending, in which the ability of the association to act until the next Federal General Meeting on May 18, 2025.

In the meantime, an interim leadership by one of the expected four vice presidents is expected. Roland Schmid, an experienced real estate entrepreneur and active vice president, could play a key role. His excellent relationship with Rangnick could give him an advantage if he pursues his ambitions for the ÖFB base. If he is elected, he would be the first president since Friedrich Stickler (2002-2008) who does not come from the Presidium.

The situation remains tense and the coming months will be decisive for the future of the ÖFB and its manor. Developments in the association could lay the basis for new structures and strategies to lead Austrian football into a successful future. Further details can be found on www.kicker.at.