Austrian Football Association Names Interim President Amidst Turbulent Times
The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) has appointed Wolfgang Bartosch as its new interim president amidst a period of significant uncertainty.
The change comes after Klaus Mitterdorfer resigned just a few days ago, leaving the ÖFB to navigate through a labyrinth of internal strife and public scrutiny.
A Change in Rules
Originally, the position was expected to be filled by one of the four vice presidents – Gerhard Götschhofer, Josef Geisler, Johann Gartner or Philip Thonhauser. However, none of them secured the necessary majority, despite several attempts.
To address this stalemate, the ÖFB General Secretary, Thomas Hollerer invoked a paragraph in the statutes that allows for temporary adjustments in times of ‘imminent danger.’
Initially, the role was open to vice presidents. This week’s meeting saw the rules amended to allow any member of the presidium to take the helm. The way was cleared for Bartosch who was formally elected.
Facing Challenges Onward
Bartosch, a lawyer and former director of the Styrian Chamber of Labour, takes on a deeply fractured organisation. Public fissures within the executive committee coupled with the unexpected ousting of the managing director, Bernhard Neuhold, and Hollerer, created a difficult situation.
Even the national men’s team boss, Ralf Rangnick, and the players openly voiced their support for Nuheld.
Bartosch faces the challenge of bringing stability and unity back to the ÖFB. Thelawyer has stated that he will make way for a permanent president after the scheduled General Meeting on May 18, 2025 in Bregenz and that he will continue with the reforms initiated by Mittlerdorfer.
1732900689
#Bartosch #temporarily #ÖFB #helm
What led to the resignation of Klaus Mitterdorfer as president of the Austrian Football Association?
## Interview: Austrian Football Association in Crisis
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is football journalist, Franz Gruber, to discuss the latest upheaval within the Austrian Football Association. Franz, thanks for being here.
**Franz Gruber:** My pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Klaus Mitterdorfer resigned as president just days ago, citing a “power struggle”. What can you tell us about the situation within the ÖFB?
**Franz Gruber:** The situation is indeed tumultuous. Mitterdorfer’s resignation followed weeks of public infighting within the association. There were concerns about his leadership style, accusations of financial mismanagement, and disagreements over the direction of Austrian football. It seems Mitterdorfer felt he couldn’t effectively lead under these circumstances and chose to step down. [[1](https://azscore.com/news/football/2087583-austrian-football-association-chief-mitterdorfer-resigns-amid-power-struggle-i-will-not-bend)]
**Interviewer:** So, with Mitterdorfer gone, who is at the helm?
**Franz Gruber:** Wolfgang Bartosch has been appointed as interim president. He’s a respected figure, having previously served as vice-president. However, his appointment is seen as a temporary measure while the ÖFB sorts out its internal issues and elects a permanent replacement.
**Interviewer:** What’s the general feeling amongst Austrian football fans and the wider public about this situation?
**Franz Gruber:** There’s a sense of uncertainty and disappointment. Austrian football has been making progress in recent years, and this internal turmoil threatens to derail that momentum. Fans are looking for stability and leadership.
**Interviewer:** We’ll be closely following developments within the ÖFB. Franz Gruber, thanks for providing your insights.
**Franz Gruber:** Thank you for having me.
