Klagenfurt Not an Option for U21 EURO - "Would Have Liked to Be Part of It"

In 2029, Austria could host the U21 European Championship.

On Monday, the Austrian Football Association officially submitted its bid concept.

The Wörthersee Stadium, which hosts the ÖFB Cup final, is not among the potential venues. While three matches were played in Carinthia's state capital during the 2008 home EURO, the city of Klagenfurt did not submit a bid this time.

As reported by "Krone," Klagenfurt was apparently not even aware of the opportunity. Sportpark Managing Director Daniel Greiner emphasizes: "We did not submit an active bid. The ÖFB omitted large stadiums because they want to ensure full arenas, so we were not included. We would have liked to be part of it."

Hollerer: "I prefer a smaller, fully utilized arena"

For State Sports Director Arno Arthofer, Klagenfurt as a venue "would have been a great motivational boost for young footballers." He is displeased with the ÖFB's approach: "The interesting thing is that it was the ÖFB itself that emphasized at the time how important it was to maintain the stadium at this size."

Speaking to "Krone," ÖFB Secretary General Thomas Hollerer explained the Austrian Football Association's approach: "Anyone who was interested could have come forward. But we decided on these stadiums due to rail sustainability along the ÖBB Western Railway line."

That was the main reason. This is also why Graz and Hartberg, for example, are not included. Another argument, however, was the desire to present "full stadiums." "I prefer a smaller, fully utilized arena," Hollerer adds.