As part of the Distinguished Guest Lecture Series at MCI, Josef Pröll, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), spoke about the multifaceted significance of the sport. His message was clear: football is far more than a game – it is a social engine, an economic force, and a platform for the future.
A central focus of his lecture was the sport’s broad societal reach. Week after week, around half a million people are active on Austria’s football pitches, whether as players, coaches, or volunteers. This wide engagement makes football a cornerstone of social life. Pröll also emphasized the sport’s health and integrative benefits: football offers especially young people an accessible way to stay active, fosters team spirit, and contributes meaningfully to social integration.
He also highlighted the sport’s economic dimension. With an annual value creation of approximately 2.9 billion euros, football represents a significant economic factor in Austria. Public investment, he noted, generates a multiple in overall economic benefit, providing a compelling argument for sustained support.
Looking ahead, Pröll stressed the importance of modern infrastructure and strategic development. The new ÖFB campus in Vienna, along with the prospect of a modern multifunctional stadium, are key elements in maintaining international competitiveness. At the same time, he called for clear structures and a continuous willingness to reassess and adapt existing systems.
Pröll described volunteer work as the foundation of the entire system, enabling football’s broad reach and requiring long-term support. He also sees strong potential in youth development and women’s football: a successful young generation and increasing professionalization are driving momentum both on and off the pitch. Growing interest from fans, media, and sponsors further underlines this potential.
In closing, Pröll advocated for a proactive and courageous approach – in football as well as in organizations. Those who play forward must also be willing to make mistakes, he noted, calling for greater initiative, responsibility, and a willingness to shape the future.
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