"Scheinbar ist ein Kind in Graz deutlich weniger wert als ein Kind in Wien oder in Linz oder in Salzburg."
He states that it's not just about professional football for him. Jauk is particularly critical of the lack of support for children and young people, as well as for women's and disabled sports.
"Child in Graz seemingly less valuable"
Looking at other cities and federal states, he says: "Then I have to say, apparently a child in Graz is significantly less valuable than a child in Vienna or Linz or Salzburg."
That hurts, Jauk emphasizes, because: "This is about young people, it's not about professional sports here." Elite sports, moreover, also enable grassroots sports.
Work for the common good is only possible because Sturm successfully engages in elite sports.
"Hundreds of children" without support
As an example, Jauk cites the club's school program. Sturm supports hundreds of children there seven days a week without receiving any support for it.
That this work receives too little recognition in Graz, from his perspective, pains him: "These are the things that simply receive neither respect nor appreciation in this city."
The framework conditions for professional football are also problematic from his point of view. Although the stadium is regularly full, Sturm has significantly fewer VIP capacities and hospitality options than its competitors. As a result, the club misses out on millions of euros every year, says Jauk.
Therefore, the expectations of fans and the public are significantly higher than the framework conditions Sturm finds in Graz.
Jauk: "We will do everything against it"
Jauk also sees the future of elite football in Graz at risk. When asked how long Sturm can regularly participate in European competitions under these conditions, he says: "We will do everything to prevent that from happening."
The president emphasizes that, despite the dispute, Sturm wants to continue doing everything to represent the city honorably. With the action in Bournemouth, the club wanted to send a message.
The criticism is directed not only at the situation in professional football, but primarily at what Jauk sees as a lack of appreciation for youth development work and the social contribution of sports.
