Pröll Confirms: ÖFB Stands "Rock-Solid" Behind UEFA Line

With the hosting of the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday evening, the eyes of European football fans were on Austria.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin was also present at the prestigious encounter between the Champions League and Europa League winners. An intensive exchange took place with ÖFB Supervisory Board Chairman Josef Pröll and other international representatives.

At the heart of the discussions, alongside further cooperation within the European football family, were political developments at FIFA level.

"Strong Signal of Responsibility and Cohesion"

In a statement issued the following day, the ÖFB took a clear stance and officially backed UEFA's opposing line. "The ÖFB fully and rock-solidly stands behind UEFA's line. The ÖFB was an integral and active part of the discussions and the decision-making process of the 55 member associations. The united approach of the European associations sends a strong signal of responsibility and cohesion," the statement read.

At the same time, it is of central importance for the ÖFB that the stipulated internal decision-making processes are consistently adhered to and the responsible bodies are properly involved. "Within the ÖFB, electoral decisions are discussed and finally approved by the Supervisory Board. This body will intensively address the issue at its next meeting, considering the incidents and the significantly changed framework conditions, and will determine the course of action. The past few weeks, in particular, have shown how important it is to responsibly adhere to procedures, properly involve all stakeholders, and thus combine forces," said Pröll.

The six Arab associations of Qatar, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, and Mauritania officially pledged their support to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday (read more >>>).