City of Vienna Wants to Buy Vienna Austria's Stadium
The city, citing a right of first refusal, wants to "prevent a third party from deciding what happens in the stadium in Favoriten," explained Sports City Councillor Peter Hacker. The Krone was the first to report on the possible deal.
Hacker confirmed that "all steps have been initiated". "As part of the progress coalition, we have agreed to instruct MA 51 - Sport Vienna to bring in a release agreement for the Generali Arena via the city's real estate management," he told the newspaper. An independent valuation report is to provide a basis for negotiation for the possible purchase price. Over 40 million euros were rumored. In the event of an agreement, the city's bodies, including the city council, still have to give their blessing.
"The Austria Stadium Should Remain a Viennese Stadium"
"The Austria stadium should remain a Viennese stadium - and the emphasis is deliberately on Vienna," Hacker stressed. "The stadium at Horrplatz is of course immensely important for the club and its fans. But it also plays an important role for the city of Vienna and Viennese sports events because it can be used in a variety of ways." The arena, once known as the Horr Stadium, "also has room for other football clubs and the ÖFB national teams. The hosting of the ÖFB Cup final as well as American football and rugby games is also possible," said Hacker's office.
Austria has not yet commented on this offer on Thursday. The "Violets", currently on a sporting high, wanted to have their stadium sold as early as this summer, they urgently need money. Thanks to a debt cut by Bank Austria, the 2023/24 financial year was recently closed with a plus of 11.24 million euros, but the remaining liabilities amount to 59.44 million euros.
The proceeds from the stadium sale are also to be used to buy back the shares in the club held by Sports Director Jürgen Werner. The price for the buyback is rumored to be 7.5 million euros.
(APA/Red)
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