Josef Pröll: 'Fascination for football has accompanied me throughout my life'
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Article top media content
Article body
Josef Pröll was elected to lead the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) in May 2025, following a successful career in finance and politics.
As the nation’s former vice-chancellor approaches his first anniversary in the role, the ÖFB is preparing to open its brand-new campus – a symbol of optimism for Austrian football as it builds toward a first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
In this exclusive interview, Pröll reflects on his journey into the game, the influences that shaped it, and his hopes for Austrian football this summer and beyond.
Josef, you had a diverse professional journey before leading the ÖFB. What was your motivation to make this step into football governance?
I was actually quite surprised when I was first asked whether I could imagine taking on the role of chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Austrian Football Association. I had been part of three federal governments and worked for many years in the private sector, but the fascination for football has accompanied me throughout my life. At the same time, I recognised the enormous potential of this sport. The ÖFB represents more than 2,000 clubs and reaches hundreds of thousands of people across the country every single week. That scale impressed me and ultimately convinced me to take on this responsibility. It is about giving something back and further developing football in Austria together.
Was football always part of your life growing up, or did your interest for the game develop later, and is there one favourite footballing moment that you cherish?
Football has always been part of my life. Like for many people in Austria, it starts at a local level – on the pitch, in the club, in your immediate surroundings. What has stayed with me are the big collective moments when the entire country comes together. For me, the 1978 FIFA World Cup and the legendary match in Córdoba (Austria beat West Germany 3-2) were particularly memorable. And one of the most influential figures of my youth was Herbert Prohaska.
Looking back, what experiences most shaped your leadership style in your previous roles and what is particularly useful for you now at the ÖFB?
My previous roles have taught me one key lesson: in complex organisations, clarity, stability and trust are essential. Especially in challenging times, it is crucial to understand people and structures, to listen carefully and then act decisively. For the ÖFB, this means bringing calm, providing orientation and fostering a culture of collaboration. Our employees are our greatest asset, and giving them the support they need is a core leadership responsibility.
Can you tell us about your long-term vision for Austrian football, and what you'd like to achieve during your presidency?
My vision is a sustainably successful Austrian football system, built on a clear strategy, stable structures and a strong shared identity. We are currently working on a strategic process through to 2030 that combines sporting, economic and social objectives.
A key element is creating a true alignment across the entire system: the ÖFB, the Bundesliga and the national teams all pulling in the same direction, in the spirit of one united "Team Red-White-Red".
The new ÖFB campus represents a major milestone. How important is this project, both for the organisation and the wider game in Austria?
The ÖFB campus is a key project and a symbol of a new beginning. It will become the central home for our national teams, administration, as well as the education and development of coaches and referees.
For us, it represents a major step forward, also in international comparison. The campus is designed to become the central hub of Austrian football and to stand for unity, innovation and professionalism.
How vital is funding from the UEFA HatTrick programme, and effective collaboration between national associations and the governing body?
Support from UEFA, particularly through the UEFA HatTrick programme, is a crucial pillar of our development as an association. It enables investments and projects that are essential for sustainable progress.
In addition, close collaboration with UEFA is key for national associations to learn from each other, develop common standards and strengthen European football as a whole. A perfect example was the UEFA Grow conference held in Vienna in March.
Are there specific ÖFB initiatives underway that you feel could inspire other European associations?
We have implemented a wide range of reforms in recent years, particularly in youth development. A central element is our comprehensive strategy process for the coming years. This process is deliberately open – it explicitly allows us to think freely and to challenge existing structures and systems.
This is where the real opportunity lies: not just to optimise, but to fundamentally reshape Austrian football. What is crucial is that all levels are involved – from the association to the Bundesliga and the regional associations. It is about creating genuine alignment within the system, focusing not on individual interests but on one shared goal: the sustainable development of football in Austria.
Austria's men have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. How much does this mean to you, the ÖFB and the nation as a whole?
Qualifying for the World Cup after 28 years is a historic milestone for Austria. It represents vision, momentum, courage and the collective effort of many people involved in Austrian football.
For the entire country, it has enormous significance because such achievements create identity and bring people together, especially in challenging times. It is remarkable how many people approach me in the street to wish the team the very best.
How do you assess the current momentum of the national team and what do you expect from them at the World Cup?
The development of the national team is very positive and a great source of pride for all of us. Under head coach Ralf Rangnick, the team has developed a clear identity and an exceptional team spirit.
They play dynamic, exciting football that inspires fans and unites them behind the team. I expect us to continue on this path with confidence, courage and the necessary unity.
Austria will host the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg in August. What does staging this match mean for Austrian football?
It is a great honour and a real pleasure that the UEFA Super Cup will be staged in Salzburg. FC Salzburg has successfully hosted numerous UEFA matches at the highest level in recent years and has established itself as an excellent venue for major international events.
Hosting this final is a significant recognition for Austrian football. It strengthens our position within European football and demonstrates that we are capable of delivering at the highest organisational level.
How important is it for the ÖFB to be visible as a trusted and capable host on the European stage?
With the awarding of the UEFA Super Cup, a new chapter begins for Austrian football. It sends a clear signal that we aim to position ourselves more strongly on the international stage – also as an attractive and reliable host for major events.
In my exchange with Aleksander Čeferin, I had the opportunity to express our strong interest and our clear commitment to taking on responsibility. The UEFA Super Cup is an ideal starting point – not the end, but the beginning of a broader development. A concrete next step is our bid to host the 2029 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.