VSV future hangs in balance as debts likely exceed one million euros

EC VSV faces an uncertain future after a crisis meeting over the club’s finances and its participation in the ICE Hockey League, ORF reported. The immediate priority is to find a new managing director as quickly as possible.

It is unclear whether VSV will begin the new season as planned next Friday with an away game against Pioneers Vorarlberg. The club does not even have away jerseys because it cannot pay for them. No one is currently authorised to sign for the company account.

The situation has deteriorated since Martin Winkler resigned as managing director. A small number of remaining staff and officials are trying to keep the club operating, while the full level of its debts is not yet known. The liabilities are thought to be well above one million euros, with further claims continuing to emerge.

VSV chairman Manfred Herzog and board secretary Marc Baumann must also decide whether they want to continue running the club. Herzog will now examine the books of the company in detail with tax advisers before further decisions are made.

The ICE Hockey League wants VSV to continue and take part in the competition. League director Lyle Seitz was at the arena on Friday and discussed options with the remaining staff. Another meeting with league representatives took place on Saturday, including Erich Falkensteiner of HC Pustertal and Laibach managing director Miha Butara. They helped advance a gentleman’s agreement under which clubs will not recruit VSV players.

VSV’s board was also due to discuss potential financial backers and candidates for the managing director’s position with other club staff.