In the shadow of the Nations League play-off matches of the Austrian national football team, the search for a new ÖFB president is entering the decisive phase. On March 28, the presidency and the almost identically composed election committee will meet in Vienna, after which the circle of candidates for the top position in the country's largest sports association could at least be narrowed down. Additionally, the structural reform is also expected to be set in motion on this day.

Structural Reform Would Bring Change

Interim president Wolfgang Bartosch is optimistic that the reform will find a majority at the meeting - it can only be finally decided at the federal general assembly on May 18 in Bregenz. "There are still some sports-political decisions to be made, but I am very confident that the structural reform will go through," said the Styrian state president to the APA.

If the reform comes, the powers of the new association boss - who would then be called the chairman of the supervisory board - would be significantly curtailed. Nevertheless, the position still exerts a great attraction, as the events of recent weeks have shown. ÖFB premium sponsor Raiffeisen recently criticized the intense internal association turbulence in a letter and suggested ImmoUnited founder Roland Schmid or UNIQA board member Kurt Svoboda as the new president.

Jauk Would Have Green Light from Bartosch

The latter said last week during a financial press conference of the insurance group: "It is an honor if you are associated with it. I am pleased if activities that have been undertaken are well received. It is still a long way to go, and so far I am not involved in this matter."

Bartosch did not want to comment on Svoboda and Schmid and at the same time made no secret of the fact that he could imagine Christian Jauk as the future ÖFB boss. "If he were to run, he would have the majority, I also consider him absolutely suitable and would immediately give him my approval." However, Jauk would have to give up his positions as president of Sturm Graz and as a supervisory board member of the Bundesliga if he switched to the ÖFB.

Path to New ÖFB President

Hartberg President Brigitte Annerl would also be a suitable candidate for Bartosch. "But I have not received any feedback from her on whether she is available," said the 67-year-old. The election committee, chaired by Martin Mutz (Carinthia) and his deputy Josef Geisler (Tyrol), plays a significant role in the search for a president. The duo will propose candidates on March 28, but have remained reserved so far. The presidium does not have to follow the suggestions of Mutz and Geisler. "I do not rule out the possibility of a surprise candidate," explained Bartosch.

The decision on the president could be made as early as March 28. "That is not likely, but also not impossible," said Bartosch. The new association boss will be officially inaugurated at the general assembly. The new CEO will be appointed no earlier than May 18, possibly later. This position will be created as part of the structural reform and is to be advertised, according to Bartosch.

Bartosch Rules Out Dismissals

At least for now, the closely feuding Bernhard Neuhold (Managing Director) and Thomas Hollerer (Secretary General) will remain in office. Bartosch had reversed their dismissals ordered by predecessor Klaus Mitterdorfer. "I will certainly not issue any more dismissals," emphasized the Styrian, who will be leaving office at the general assembly.

Before that, Bartosch is still trying to smooth the waves caused by sponsor letters. Shortly after the Raiffeisen letter, other sponsors also voiced criticism, prompting the ÖFB President to seek dialogue, including at a sponsor workshop. "I expressed my understanding for the criticism of the ÖFB's public image, but also made it clear that ÖFB internal decisions are made exclusively within the ÖFB. No sponsor has questioned this," reported Bartosch.

His impression was that all partners want to maintain their sponsorship activities - and if not, replacements are provided. "I was informed immediately after the letters that new sponsors could be found right away," said Bartosch.

Third Highest League as a Topic

The interim president must also be prepared for emotional discussions on a sporting topic on March 28 - the future design of the third highest league. An ÖFB proposal envisions four regional leagues instead of the previous three: Vorarlberg/Tyrol, Salzburg/Upper Austria, Styria/Carinthia, and Vienna/Lower Austria/Burgenland are to form the leagues, but there is resistance, especially in the west. An agreement seems unlikely.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.