Austrian league leaders investigated for breaking training rules


PTI | Vienna | Updated: 15-05-2020 10:59 IST | Created: 15-05-2020 09:50 IST
Austrian league leaders investigated for breaking training rules
Representative Image Image Credit: ANI
  • Country:
  • Austria

Austrian league leaders LASK Linz faces possible punishment for violating health regulations by resuming full training, a move that incurred the wrath of their rivals. The league investigation was triggered by a videotape of the training sessions, which was filmed without the club's knowledge and which allegedly showed a breach of Austrian regulations for fighting with coronavirus pandemic.

Since April 20, clubs in Austria have only been allowed to train in groups of up to six players. Full training will only be allowed from Friday. The championship is scheduled to resume on 2 June. LASK has filed a burglary complaint claiming that a camera was smuggled in to spy on training sessions and that the perpetrators were themselves filmed.

LASK, coached by Frenchman Valerien Ismael, did not deny the accusations, acknowledging in a statement that "as shown by a camera illegally introduced during a night-time break-in, the rules of distancing were not strictly observed". The case will be examined by the league's disciplinary bodies and the club could face sanctions.

Other top-flight clubs have reacted angrily. "We are shocked and amazed," said Stephan Reiter, commercial director of defending champions Red Bull Salzburg, who regretted that not all clubs "are aware" of their "great responsibility".

Salzburg, six-time champions, are second in the standings, three points behind Linz. 

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Give Feedback