Austria mourns Josef "Beppo" Mauhart

Austrian and European football is mourning the former president of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), Josef "Beppo" Mauhart, who has passed away at the age of 83.

The Upper Austrian was at the helm of the ÖFB from 1984 to 2002 – the longest term ever served by a president of the Austrian national association. He subsequently became honorary president.

From the start of his presidency, he introduced wide-ranging reforms within the ÖFB – including the development of coach education and marketing activities. He also led the association into the digital era.

He was closely involved in the renovation of the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, and brought major European club finals to the city - the European Champion Clubs' Cup finals in 1987 and 1990, and the UEFA Champions League final in 1995.

Thanks to his initial groundwork, Austria would co-host the UEFA EURO 2008 final tournament together with Switzerland, and the national team qualified for the 1990 and 1998 FIFA World Cups over his 18 years as president.

“Beppo Mauhart shaped his era like no-one else,” said current ÖFB president Leo Windtner.

“Besides his outstanding achievements for Austrian football, he will be remembered above all for his charismatic nature. He will always have a special place within the ÖFB,” he added.