Graz sports clubs warn of closure over unpaid grants

About 20 sports clubs in Graz have not received expected grants because of the city’s financial difficulties, and some say they may have to close. ORF reports that the city government expects to make a decision on the funding this week.

The Union Sportverein Ries-Kainbach, a football club with around 250 child and youth players, says it may have to stop operating on January 1 if the funding does not arrive. Board member Jürgen Mayrhofer said the club would face a budget shortfall of at least €30,000. It has relied on city grants for 20 years and has no reserves left, he said.

Graz finance councillor Manfred Eber of the KPÖ said the city’s spending freeze followed unexpected additional costs running into millions in the disability sector. He said departments would prioritise grant applications by the end of this week, after which a political decision would be made. The city is seeking to free up as much funding as possible so the applications can be paid, he said.

The city hopes to pay the grants this year. Clubs will also be able to apply for funding for 2027, Eber said.