Police deployments for summit and derby cost over 400,000 euros

Police operations for a meeting of six heads of state and a football derby in Tirol cost more than 400,000 euros combined, according to figures obtained by ORF Tirol from the Tyrol State Police Directorate.

The meeting in early September cost the police 300,000 euros. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen hosted counterparts from five German-speaking countries. Events took place on September 1 and 2 at the Bergisel in Innsbruck, the Stubai Glacier and the European Forum in Alpbach.

Police said such operations were planned individually in line with international practice, making comparisons with other large deployments difficult. They did not provide further details. The high costs were attributed to extensive security measures, including escorts.

The police operation for the October 16 second-division match between FC Wacker Innsbruck and SV Austria Salzburg cost nearly 130,000 euros. The police did not disclose a breakdown of costs or the number of officers deployed.

The match, a derby between rival teams, drew large crowds. Hours before kick-off at Innsbruck’s Tivoli stadium, fans marched through the city centre. Police took extensive measures to prevent the two groups from meeting, but clashes broke out after the game. Both events prompted public criticism, including over disruptions in public spaces.