Stöger: ‘Everything that is being required is common practice for us’

This is a game changer! After the government allowed the team trainings starting on May 15th, the Bundesliga will continue with ghost games as well. We will know the exact date after the Bundesliga club conference on Wednesday. AG Sport board member Peter Stöger was a decisive factor in the group of experts that defined the regulatory framework.

In the past few days, a comprehensive and detailed concept has been developed by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Sport, the ÖFB and the Bundesliga together with Stöger. This includes a variety of organizational and health measures. The primary goal is of course the best possible protection for all parties. In addition to regular PCR tests, these are also constant preventive measures such as keeping a health diary, contact documentation and rules of conduct.

‘Together we looked for solutions on how we can pursue our profession. What has now been decided is all feasible for us,’ says Stöger. For example: If a player tests positive, all contact persons are put in quarantine and may only leave them for game and training purposes. They are also subjected to a PCR test to determine or rule out a possible infection.

In addition, the restart of the Bundesliga is accompanied by a scientific study in which Austria Wien takes part and is intended to provide valuable insights for football and popular sports. ‘As an athlete, your body is your capital, health is a top priority. We have a responsibility to implement this concept and all measures in it and we are happy to accept it. We are a role model for all football players and especially for many children and young people,’ says Stöger.

Two weeks ago, everything was hanging by a thread, it looked a lot worse from a league perspective. At that time, the safety concept had been rejected by politicians due to insufficient quarantine measures. The Bundesliga is a pilot and a model for the further course of action, as health minister Rudi Anschober explained. It should serve as a learning process for all other team sports and thus for the amateur teams as well.

The requirements that were worked out between the sport and the authorities are clear to Stöger when it comes to implementation in terms of hygiene and safety. ‘All requirements are daily practice for us. We can have a pioneering role that we also live up to. In any case, we will do everything we can to make it work.’

It is still being discussed in various league meetings whether the season will continue in the 2^nd league, in which the Young Violets play. The new government decree would make it possible to continue, including the team trainings starting on May 15^th.