NEWS
World Cup Boycott Averted! ÖEHV and Women's Team Reach Agreement
The dispute between both parties has been resolved, and the focus is now collectively on the historic World Cup in Denmark.
Approximately three weeks after Austria's women's ice hockey team publicly threatened to boycott the A-World Championship in Denmark in November, an agreement has been reached between the ÖEHV and the players.
Both parties have approached each other in numerous discussion rounds, based on a catalog of demands covering nine thematic areas, and have now agreed on a common solution.
Next Development Phase to Start After World Cup
A central outcome is a new compensation and remuneration model for all three national teams (women, men, and para), according to the federation. This model will come into effect in 2027, subject to legal details.
Furthermore, other essential points regarding the organization and communication for and with the players have been finalized, writes the ÖEHV in a press release.
After the World Cup, the ÖEHV plans to initiate the next development phase in women's ice hockey. Key areas identified include an athlete commission, national team standards, and the visibility and growth of the women's national team.
United to Denmark
ÖEHV captain Anna Meixner states: "For us, this agreement primarily means that we can fully concentrate on the sport again. The first A-World Championship in the history of Austrian women's ice hockey is a milestone."
It is all the more important to travel to Denmark as a united team and be able to focus on the essential: representing Austria as best as possible.
Austria will start the Top Division World Championship on November 6 with a game against Czechia, marking the first time the red-white-red will participate. Other group opponents in Esbjerg are the USA, Czechia, Switzerland, and Germany.
Stepina: "A Real Improvement"
ÖEHV Vice President Yasmin Stepina says: "In recent weeks, we have worked intensively and on equal footing with the players – the result is a real improvement for our women's national team."
"With the new compensation model, improved support and accommodation standards, and further measures, we are taking concrete steps that will tangibly benefit the team. Now we are all looking forward to the historic first A-World Championship participation in November."
