Quick deal for tumbling Tirol
Thursday, June 20, 2002
Article summary
FC Tirol Innsbruck have formed a new club after appeals against demotion were rejected.
Article body
FC Tirol Innsbruck have moved quickly to form a new club after their appeal to the Austrian Football Association to keep their top-flight status was rejected.
New merger
Last season's champions, who must now play in the Regionalliga after having their licence to play in the Austrian Bundesliga denied because of their crippling financial troubles, are set to merge with third division side FK Wattens. The establishment of the new club, which will be called FC Wacker Tirol, will allow Tirol's 13 junior teams to continue to play in their respective leagues.
Place taken
Tirol's UEFA Champions League place has now been taken by third-placed Grazer AK, who join runners-up up SK Sturm Graz in the competition. FK Austria Wien and FC Kärnten will now compete in the UEFA Cup.
'The players did their bit'
Tirol coach Joachim Löw has praised the loyalty of some of his players. "They did their bit to help us get the licence. With all their hearts they stuck by the club," he said. Indeed, defender Robert Wazinger has already signed a two-year contract with Wattens.
