Balance sheet of the blacks

Jackpot! Euro millions raise the Sturm level

Sturm's international successes have flushed millions into the coffers.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

As part of Sturm's historic Conference League round of 16, Thomas Tebbich, economic boss of the Blackies from Graz, took stock with satisfaction: "The club will finish with a seven-figure profit!"

Specifically, €3.6 million flowed into the Sturm coffers for the Europa League group stage, €840,000 in points bonuses, €400,000 for the qualifier against Bratislava and €600,000 for the round of 16. Plus 500,000 for the UEFA coefficient plus a portion of the market pool. In addition to the 6.5 million UEFA revenue, there is one million from ticketing for six home games.

Costs for travel, stadium security, player and coach bonuses and security are deducted.

Sturm's training center in Messendorf.

(Bild: Pail Sepp)

A considerable portion of the income was reinvested: "As we have a triple burden with the European Cup, championship and cup, we needed a broad squad. Of course, we invested in the quality of the team." Future transfer targets Böving, Wlodarczyk and Jatta were signed permanently, while Biereth was loaned out in the spring. The squad is the second most expensive in Austria after Salzburg.

It has also been stipulated in the club's statutes that 10 percent of future transfer income must be set aside for a rainy day.

Tebbich is proud of the unprecedented record figures: "When I started at Sturm, we had a turnover of 17 million euros per year, now we have 44. That's even slightly higher than Rapid. Only Salzburg is higher with 125 million."

Thomas Tebbich (l.) and president Christian Jauk celebrated the millions in revenue that lifted Sturm to the next level.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

But that also means: "Sturm is virtually condemned to continue playing in international competitions." The European Cup is necessary in order to continue generating high transfer revenue.

In future, investments will also be made in the second training center in Graz-Puntigam. Two thirds of the 12.5 million project for women and young talent have been promised by the city and state - Sturm and its partners will have to pay for the remaining third themselves.

All-round care
Investments have also been made in the TZ Messendorf: "Two pitches have been refurbished," says Tebbich, "floodlights, the weight room and storage facilities have been brought up to date. In-house chefs now make it possible to have breakfast together every day. Physiotherapists and nutritionists have been employed. Shock waves and cold basins have been purchased for medical care. Overall, we are now at a very good level."