Sturm and GAK unite against Graz funding cuts

Graz football rivals Sturm and GAK joined forces to protest the city’s planned savings and the withdrawal of sponsorship for both clubs, ORF reported. They displayed a crossed-out “Graz” on the advertising boards at the Merkur Arena during Sunday’s city derby.

Sturm president Christian Jauk said he was convinced the city would hear the clubs’ concerns. He argued that football was being used as a political tool, saying the amount at issue represented just over 0.1 percent of Holding’s total budget. He criticised the impact of the cuts on children, the club’s women’s team and its team for people with disabilities.

GAK president René Ziesler also called for talks with the city to produce a positive outcome. He said there was still much work to do, including on the stadium project.

Fans from both clubs also voiced support for the protest. One GAK fan said professional clubs could serve as role models for young people and that encouraging sport had long-term economic benefits. A Sturm fan said Graz should support the clubs that represent sport in the city, including Sturm, GAK and the 99ers.