Austria’s football boss resigns after power struggle

Austria’s football association head Klaus Mitterdorfer has resigned with immediate effect. “I have always tried to see the big picture, to act constructively in the interests of football and to have a unifying effect in accordance with my values. The latter has not been successful recently and therefore the time has come to draw the consequences,” explained the 59-year-old in a message on the association’s homepage. Recently there were, among other things, differences of opinion between Mitterdorfer and Austria’s German national coach Ralf Rangnick, who made clear statements.

“I have always emphasized that I will not bend, and I stand by that. The personal defamation and accusations of the last few weeks in front of and especially behind the scenes have placed a heavy burden not only on my family and me in my voluntary role, but also on the ÖFB as a whole,” Mitterdorfer continued. In particular, his proposal to fill the position of managing director caused a lot of discussion, although there was apparently no majority in favor of it.

Clear announcement from Rangnick

Austria’s selection coach Rangnick had previously clearly criticized the removal of Bernhard Neuhold from the post of managing director. “You can’t just take us for fools,” he emphasized. “Canceling Neuhold overnight without a replacement doesn’t work without damaging the national team. Because he is the first point of contact for all issues we have. If you decide that Bernhard Neuhold is no longer there, then an equivalent or better replacement must be there for him on the same day,” the 66-year-old added.