Champions League: Sturm Graz would have to dodge

In terms of sport, things could not go better for SK Sturm Graz. After the two opening victories in the Bundesliga, the Black and Whites are also attacking in the European Cup. Yesterday’s Champions League qualifying first leg against PSV Eindhoven was still ongoing when this issue went to print. In order to move into the group phase, the Styrians would have to survive two rounds. A win over Eindhoven would mean Glasgow Rangers-Servette Geneva winner would wait. Otherwise you would automatically start in the group stage of the Europa League. Away from the pitch, however, the frustration is great. Since Monday it has been clear that Sturm will not be allowed to play at the home stadium in Liebenau in a possible play-off for entry into the Champions League, the waves in city politics are rising.

City councilor for sports Kurt Hohensinner, who was jointly responsible for the stadium owned by the city with the ÖVP as mayor’s party until the end of 2021, rumbled towards the successor coalition of KPÖ/Greens/SPÖ: “Now the long period of doing nothing is taking revenge.” The Holding Graz, which manages the affairs of the stadium, said that apples would be mixed with pears. The stadium is not sufficient due to the lack of space for the so-called TV compound, i.e. space and connections for outside broadcast vehicles.

The stadium itself is in good condition, the construction measures decided by the municipal council in 2018 – and not yet implemented – only affected the VIP area, which was not objected to by UEFA. The stadium would currently be sufficient for the Europa League group stage.