Tirol demotion shocks Austria

Austrian champions FC Tirol Innsbruck have not been given a licence for next season and will have to play in the Regionalliga - the third tier of the Austrian league.

'Unsatisfactory situation'
"This a highly unsatisfactory situation for football in Austria when the champions are not given the licence," said Bundesliga general manager Reihnhard Nachbagauer. "But the financial situation was so negative that we could not give them a licence. They lack the basic financial means to continue in the top division.

Immense damage
"The image damage is immense, but I hope that this situation will lead to some thinking because we can't afford such behaviour," Nachbagauer continued. "The clubs have to immediately reshuffle their economies."

No guarantee
On 30 April the club, in debt to the tune of €16m, obtained a provisional licence on the condition that they presented the Austrian Bundesliga with a €4.5m income guarantee that they would be able to finish next season with their own financial means. However these guarantees were not forthcoming.

'I cannot comprehend what happened'
Tirol fans will now have to watch third division games being played at Austria's most modern and best-equipped stadium. "I cannot comprehend what happened," Tirol defender Oliver Prudlo said. "On the sports side we were at the top. Not so long ago we celebrated the title and all this should now be history."

'Deep shock'
"I am in deep shock," midfield player Roland Kirchler said. "Now I will first take a few days to think things over. I am in the best age to play and I want to stay in professional football."

No UEFA decision
The Austrian Football Association has until 14 June to propose to UEFA a successor to Tirol in the UEFA Champions league competition. Until that date UEFA will not make any decisions regarding Austria's representation in the prestigious European club competition.

Possible outcomes
One possible outcome is that runners-up SK Sturm Graz take Tirol's place in the final qualification round for the Champions League and cup winners Grazer AK take the second Champions League place. The relegation of the champions in Austria could also cause significant changes regarding the UEFA Cup competition. If Grazer play in the Champions League, fourth-placed FK Austria Wien may be admitted into the UEFA Cup while VfB Admira Wacker Mödling could be spared relegation.