ÖFB Reform plan: Structures and personnel decisions in focus

ÖFB Reform plan: Structures and personnel decisions in focus

In the coming weeks, the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) faces important changes that will not only affect the structure, but also the leadership dynamics in the association. Association leader Klaus Mitterdorfer plans a comprehensive reform that is to be discussed in Vienna in the Presidium meeting on Friday, October 18. The goal of this reform: more efficient and future -proof organization.

Mitterdorfer, who has been at the head of the ÖFB since July 2023, has big plans. He strives for a three -person management, which should consist of a CEO and two equivalent managing directors - one for economic issues and one for the sports area. This restructuring is intended to accelerate the decision -making process in the association and define the responsibilities more clearly. "I try to make the ÖFB future fitter, modern and slimmer," said Mitterdorfer in a conversation.

challenges and goals of the reform

One of the central challenges is the long -term conflict between managing director Bernhard Neuhold and Secretary General Thomas Hollerer. Mitterdorfer recognizes the importance of harmonious cooperation and emphasizes that a functioning management is crucial for the success of the association. "If there are long friction points that cannot be solved otherwise, you have to think about something," said the president. The employees at the football business have to work together constructively and goal-oriented in order to promote the processes.

In order to adopt the planned structural reform, a two-thirds majority in the general meeting is necessary. Mitterdorfer is optimistic and believes that the time for these changes is ripe: "I think we are essentially on the right track." However, a simple majority is sufficient for personnel issues, which are also on the agenda.

The members of the ÖFB, in particular the bosses of the nine national associations and the representatives of the Bundesliga, play a crucial role in this process. Some could block the reform through a vote. Mitterdorfer, however, sees numerous supporters and would like to decide on the cornerstones of the reform in the upcoming meeting in order to then legally storm a new statute text by the Annual General Meeting in May 2025.

elections and personal ambitions

The presidential election will also take place on this day. Mitterdorfer states that the election committee is expected to be constituted in the first quarter of 2025, and it himself does not exclude a new candidacy: "If the ÖFB develops structurally and in the right direction, the office would definitely continue to be happy to be happy." Nevertheless, he makes it clear that he does not want to stay in office at all costs.

The desired reform is not only an organizational undertaking, but also has an important communicative function towards the members and the basis of football. Mitterdorfer would like to give the impression that the ÖFB is there for everyone and does not appear to be withdrawn. "You have to give the basis of football the feeling that we are there for them," said the head of the association.

Another topic that Mitterdorfer wants to put on the agenda is the creation of a new sports team manager for the A-national team. Here the former player Sebastian Prödl is brought into play. However, the final decisions lie with sports director Peter Schöttel and team boss Ralf Rangnick, who are also involved in the considerations for structural reform.

The next steps in the reform process will be decisive for the direction in which the ÖFB will develop. "It is my goal that there is a structural and personnel clarity," summarized Mitterdorfer. The coming months will show whether he can successfully implement the changes and how the members of the ÖFB will react to his suggestions.