The results for Upper Austria’s clubs at the end of this exciting championship could not have looked worse. FC Wels slipped back to 15th place in the regional league with a 3-1 loss in Weiz – they are relegated from the third-highest division to the Upper Austrian league and really made the Upper Austrian football association sweat on Saturday.
The worst case has happened: Two relegated Upper Austria third division teams mean four relegations in the Upper Austria league, because the fourth from bottom of the highest league in the state, SV Grieskirchen, has also decided not to go into the regional league. In order to prevent a domino effect on the entire lower house due to the many Upper Austrian league relegations, Upper Austria’s association has agreed on a creative solution according to OÖN-Info: The two state leagues are to be increased from 14 to 15 clubs in the coming season.
This has the following advantage: In the leagues below (district league, 1st class), it is not necessary to send several clubs into relegation or relegation, which would otherwise be saved. Association director Raphael Koch explains why the OÖFV made this decision today – and before the last round in the lower house: “It would not have been reasonable if the clubs did not know before the last round whether their place in the table was for non-relegation, for example would be enough.”
Upper Austria league increase not feasible
An increase in the Upper Austrian league was also discussed – especially by the clubs – and would have had a similar effect. However, this was not feasible in the short time available: “In leagues with more than 16 teams, an ÖFB presidium resolution is required to approve an increase. But we would not have received this so quickly,” explains Koch. In addition, the Upper Austria League would have been in a similar dilemma next season if it had been reduced to 16 clubs again. “The probability would have been very high that there would have been some relegations.”
How long the two regional leagues will now be played with 15 clubs has not yet been determined. It is possible that the original format with 14 clubs per league will also be returned to next year. Koch: “The clubs will be informed in the summer that the number will be changed back to 14 clubs after the coming season.”
Source: Nachrichten
