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, Austria’s German national coach Ralf Rangnick and the team. Mitterdorfer has been in office since July 2023.
“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 explained. 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.
At the end of the year he wanted to separate from Bernhard Neuhold. This should be approved at the executive board meeting on Friday. Austria’s selection coach Rangnick clearly criticized the dismissal of the ÖFB managing director. “You can’t just take us for fools,” the 66-year-old 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 there has to be an equivalent or better replacement for him on the same day.” Criticism of the approach of their own association was also voiced from team circles.
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