VSV races to avert insolvency before new season

Villach ice hockey club VSV is facing a financial crisis just before the new season, ORF reported on Monday. The club needs a managing director and between 500,000 and 700,000 euros for day-to-day operations, according to estimates cited by VSV.

The club also faces claims worth millions of euros from the tax office and the regional health insurance fund. Pandemic-era subsidies must also be repaid.

VSV representatives are due to present precise figures at a crisis meeting on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the office of Villach Mayor Günther Albel. League Vice President Erich Falkensteiner and industrialist Hans-Peter Haselsteiner are also expected to attend.

Giuseppe Mion, who was involved with VSV for almost 50 years as a championship-winning official, chairman and managing director, said the situation was very difficult. He questioned why the club had waited so long to address financial problems that had been known for some time.

“There is always a chance in life. You can always find a solution if you want to,” Mion said. He said VSV could potentially be saved with support from the city of Villach, the state of Carinthia and a sponsor. Installing a new managing director and securing fresh money would be crucial, he added.

If no solution is found, VSV would have to file for insolvency. Even if a new club were established in the meantime, the new ice hockey season would begin without VSV.