Before yesterday’s World Cup play-off game in Wales, the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) said “Please wait” in every respect.
It starts with the choice of the next friendly opponent on Tuesday. Scotland, Czech Republic and Sweden are available. In the event of an end in Wales, Scotland is a fixed opponent, otherwise it will be the loser of the game between the Czech Republic and Sweden.
But the planning for the start of the European Nations League has also stalled. Most recently, it emerged that a decider would be played in June instead of one of the four scheduled Nations League games. June 6, when the away game against Denmark should rise, is a hot tip. Austria meets Croatia three days beforehand, then France (June 10) and Denmark again (June 13). The only important thing for the ÖFB delegation was that the same sporting requirements apply to all teams and that the same number of games as the possible opponents (Scotland or Ukraine) have to be played before a possible final. A sporting disadvantage should not arise, even if you are ultimately dependent on the decisions of the world association FIFA or the European football association UEFA.
In general, solidarity with Ukraine is great. 50 percent of the ticketing proceeds from the friendly game on Tuesday in Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium will benefit Ukraine and the aid organizations working there. According to ÖFB Managing Director Bernhard Neuhold, the ÖFB partner UNIQA will increase the sum again.
Playing permit for young people
Further support is also planned, for example when it comes to integrating young people who are enthusiastic about football. “The youngsters get a license to play and can play with us in the junior division straight away. That’s an important story,” confirms ÖFB President Gerhard Milletich. The Burgenlander made two apartments available at the football stadium of his hometown club Parndorf, which used to be furnished for the professional players of the former second division and today’s regional division.
Less than two weeks ago, nine people who had fled Ukraine moved there. The women and children had had a 33-hour bus ride when they arrived late in the evening. “They were totally exhausted, with a bag in their hands,” said Milletich. “When you see that, the children are hungry and crying, everyone is unsettled – then it’s really crazy what’s being done in Ukraine. We have to help as much as we can.”
Regardless of the World Cup qualification, Austria’s national team will then continue in the Nations League in autumn from September. With the games against France (September 22, away) and Denmark (September 25, at home), the premiere in Pool A will be completed.
Source: Nachrichten
