Decision Friday

Austria Salzburg’s last dance with the court

Today, Austria will finally find out whether they will be promoted to the 2nd division or will continue to play in the Westliga next season.(Bild: Andreas Tröster)

Western League leaders Austria Salzburg will face the Permanent Neutral Arbitration Court of the Austrian Bundesliga on Friday afternoon. After the hearing, it will finally be clear whether the Violets will be allowed to play in the 2nd division next season if they fulfill the sporting requirements. 

No, Austria Salzburg and the dream of promotion have been nothing like a slow waltz so far. Instead, the past weeks and months have been more like a samba with city politicians, property developers and, last but not least, the Bundesliga. 

"Definitely a positive feeling"
After two refusals, the last dance with the authority awaits on Friday - before the Permanent Court of Neutral Arbitration at the Bundesliga headquarters in Vienna's 13th district. Chairman David Rettenbacher, President Claus Salzmann and Markus Eichbauer (Infrastructure Advisory Board) will be on site. The hearing itself is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. "We are very excited, but the feeling is definitely positive," said Rettenbacher.

After that, it will be clear whether Austria will continue to play in the Westliga next season or return to professional soccer. In the event of a positive outcome, the Violets would probably not just do a happy dance, but several happy dances.