Salzburg eSportsman

Lost his job because of Putin’s propaganda games

Ajdin Islamovic is an eSports professional.

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Salzburg amateur footballer and eSports professional Ajdin Islamovic took part in the "Games of the Future" in Russia. As his employer refused to give him clearance, the 25-year-old is said to have called in sick. The club has since parted ways with him.

Ajdin Islamovic is a talented kicker and regularly plays for Straßwalchen in the Salzburg League. The 25-year-old is even better as an eSports player. Until recently, he was under contract as a professional with Greuther Fürth. Until he reportedly asked the club for permission to travel to Russia to take part in the "Games of the Future".

He was refused permission, but made the trip anyway. A connection is not confirmed, but also not denied - especially as Islamovic, who could not be reached by the "Krone" on Saturday, is said to have called in sick in order to be able to make the trip to Kazan. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the games there for propaganda purposes.

No consequences from Salzburgligigist Straßwalchen for the time being
"We found out about this at very short notice," explained Straßwalchen's sports boss Markus Chudoba. "We are amateurs, he is a full-time eSportsman. That's why we said it was his decision." There will be no consequences for the time being, even though the "Krone" learned that not everyone in the club approves of the move.

Chudoba: "We will clarify this in a one-to-one meeting after his return next week." Meanwhile, the sporting director hinted that Islamovic had missed two test matches, meaning he had lost his starting place at the Salzburg club, at least temporarily.