The 2023/24 season could be the absolute highlight of the last decade for Austria Salzburg. After the amateur club celebrated its 90th birthday in its anniversary year and is debt-free again after the financial fiasco following promotion in 2015, things are also looking up steeply in terms of sport. The Violets are currently comfortably leading the Regionalliga West. If they get the six-point lead across the finish line in the remaining eight games, the first part of the project would be successfully completed.
Bundesliga decides Austria Salzburg’s future
Next Monday the Bundesliga will decide whether Austria can be promoted to the upper house. In the event of a second negative decision, Salzburg could still lodge a protest with the Permanent Neutral Arbitration Court.
President Claus Salzmann has led the city club into calmer waters in recent years. Negative headlines and escapades were largely avoided under the Pinzgauer’s leadership. The Maxglan location also seems to be secured with the support of Salzburg politicians. With chairman David Rettenbacher and his team, the Maxglan team recovered from the turbulent years: As is well known, Austria Salzburg’s last attempt to establish itself in professional football ended in financial shambles around nine years ago. The result was high mountains of debt, narrowly averted bankruptcy, generous fan loans, a restructuring plan and strict austerity measures.
Westliga leader aims to return to professional level
Now all Austria fans can look forward to rosier times again. Even after the negative decision in the first instance, they are not letting up and, as reported yesterday, have filed an appeal. In the second instance, the Violets have all the missing license documents for the 2nd league late on Monday evening after a five-hour board meeting at Senate 5. The Maxglan team is hoping to return to professional football.
Also knowing that the budget won’t last for three years and that the city residents will be playing against relegation from the start. “The big sponsorship we had hoped for did not materialize, but many of our strong partners will expand their support. This gives us the opportunity to venture into promotion without any financial risk; we are incredibly grateful for that. The fact that we also rely on members and… Being able to leave the active fan scene in every respect is our biggest advantage and the basis of everything in this club,” explained chairman David Rettenbacher.
Krugfoto Austria Salzburg had to make a groundbreaking decision regarding their home venue on Thursday. (ARCHIVE IMAGE)
Austria Salzburg submits missing documents for the Bundesliga
In the second instance, regional league leader Austria Salzburg submitted all the missing license documents for the second league to Senate 5 late on Monday evening. The Maxglaners are relying on…
Is the return to paid football a model for success or more of a purple risk? We take a closer look at the challenges of Austria Salzburg’s promotion to the 2nd league.
Three pillars in the purple model of success
Sporting upswing: Returning to professional football offers Austria Salzburg the opportunity to develop further in terms of sport and prove themselves at a higher level of competition. This can lead to an increase in the level of awareness and reputation of the club.
Increase in revenue: By playing in the 2nd league, higher income can be generated through ticket sales, merchandising and sponsorship. This can help improve the club’s financial stability and enable investment in players and infrastructure. As the club has already announced, if promotion is possible, the adaptations at the Maxglan location, which cost around 400,000 euros, will be taken over by sponsors. This would mean that the sporting success would also have a strong impact on the club’s treasury.
Commitment of talent: The promotion could attract talented players who want to play at a higher level. This can help improve the quality of the squad and increase the chances of further sporting success. In addition, young players who want to switch to paid football and have no future at Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering would be offered a third attractive address.
Austria’s rise also carries risks
Financial burden: The costs of running a team in the second division can be significant, particularly in terms of player salaries, travel and infrastructure. If income doesn’t keep up with expenses, it can lead to financial problems. The Violets can tell you a thing or two about it, because they had painful experiences after the fiasco of 2015.
Everyone to the Salzburg football lower house
Pressure and expectations: If the dream of professional football comes true, the expectations of the public, some of the fans and possibly also the management will increase. If the club does not live up to expectations and is not successful, this can – as is usual in the football business – lead to dissatisfaction and tensions within the organization.
Competition: The 2nd league is often a highly competitive area with strong opponents and great competition. If Austria Salzburg is unable to keep up with the other professional teams, this could lead to sporting setbacks and a loss of image. But even immediate relegation wouldn’t be a problem for the club.
Overall, the success of Austria Salzburg’s promotion to the 2nd division depends on a variety of factors, including the club’s ability to ensure financial stability, attract talent and be successful on a sporting level. However, with clever planning and effective management, promotion could represent a great opportunity for the club to realize its potential and continue to grow. Whatever the Bundesliga’s decision on Monday, a championship title could make the season a highlight even without promotion.
Krugfoto Austria Salzburg had to make a groundbreaking decision regarding their home venue on Thursday. (ARCHIVE IMAGE)
Austria Salzburg submits missing documents for the Bundesliga
In the second instance, regional league leader Austria Salzburg submitted all the missing license documents for the second league to Senate 5 late on Monday evening. The Maxglaners are relying on…
(Source: SALZBURG24)