Austria

Olympique Lyonnais is close to signing Austrian center-back Felix Bacher from Portuguese club Estoril for around €4 million, with a five-year contract until 2031 pending a medical. The 25-year-old, a former Austrian U20 international, was an undisputed starter for Estoril in the 2025-2026 season. Lyon, preparing for a Champions League qualifier against Sparta Prague, is also pursuing striker Loïs Openda on loan.

6 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 2, 03:49 PM UTC

Real Madrid has entered negotiations to sign 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, submitting a €100 million bid (€90M fixed + €10M add-ons) that Leipzig rejected, demanding over €100M and possibly up to €130M. Paris Saint-Germain also remains interested but has not made a convincing offer. Diomande, who scored 13 goals and provided 9 assists last season, has a contract until 2030. Real Madrid, under José Mourinho, has already signed several players this summer. A bidding war between the European giants is possible.

100 reports · 18 sources · Updated Aug 7, 04:36 AM UTC

A severe drought and heatwave have caused record-low water levels in the Danube River, forcing Hungary to completely shut down its Paks nuclear plant (providing ~40% of electricity) and Romania to shut one reactor at Cernavodă. Both countries declared emergencies, with Hungary calling for energy conservation and Romania diverting canal water. The crisis also disrupts Danube shipping, hydropower in Austria, and drinking water supplies, highlighting a broader European energy and water scarcity event.

30 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 13, 06:07 PM UTC

David de Gea concluded his latest return to English football on a positive note, keeping a clean sheet for Fiorentina in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Watford at Vicarage Road. The former Manchester United goalkeeper, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2011, made 545 appearances and set a club record of 190 clean sheets. His United career ended in 2023, and after a year away from football, he returned with Fiorentina in 2024. De Gea's latest trip to England started poorly with a 3-2 defeat against Queens Park Rangers, but he rebounded strongly against Watford, making key saves including one from Othmane Maamma. Fiorentina will continue pre-season in Austria, with a next fixture against Real Madrid.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:47 PM UTC

Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, has been awarded a $56.8 million contract modification (P00002 to W58RGZ-26-C-0008) for advanced procurement funding toward UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the US Army, bringing the total contract value to $121.8 million. Work will occur in Stratford, Connecticut, with completion expected by December 31, 2027, funded from fiscal year 2025 Army aircraft procurement budget. The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal oversees the activity. The UH-60M Black Hawk, in service since 1978, is a medium-lift utility helicopter used for troop transport, supply delivery, search and rescue, and other missions. The article also notes recent international sales: Portugal ordered three Black Hawks, and US authorities approved a potential $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale of 12 UH-60M helicopters to Austria. Additionally, Sikorsky received a $10.2 million contract for APX-123A Mode 5 retrofit work for Saudi Arabia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:09 PM UTC

The second edition of the 1924 Pharoes Beach Sprints International Trophy took place in Oeiras, Portugal, attracting around 250 athletes from 31 countries. The event showcased the new 'Beach Sprints' discipline and served as a key milestone ahead of the 2027 Beach Sprints World Championship, also to be held in Oeiras, which will mark the start of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Portugal's Bruna Parente won bronze in the Women's Single Sculls, while Afonso Costa and Patrícia Baptista took bronze in the Mixed Double. China and Spain led the final medal tally with five medals each, followed by Portugal with two. The Portuguese Rowing Federation expressed satisfaction with the organization and athlete performance. The national team now prepares for the European Beach Sprints Championship in September and the World Championship in Qingdao, China, in October.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:40 PM UTC

RC Lens defender Samson Baidoo, 22, suffered a left thigh lesion during a pre-season friendly against Charleroi on July 25, 2026, in Avion, France. The Austrian international was substituted after 38 minutes and tests confirmed a three-month absence. Coach Dino Toppmöller announced the setback, which forces Lens to accelerate their search for a central defender ahead of the Ligue 1 season. Baidoo had previously missed the Coupe de France final due to hamstring issues.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 29, 09:02 AM UTC

American HVAC firm Carrier Global disclosed in an SEC filing that its German subsidiary Viessmann, acquired for roughly 12 billion euros in January 2024, provided heating maintenance services to the Iranian embassy in Austria on two occasions after the acquisition closed. The transactions generated about $1,600 in revenue and $500 in profit, stemming from a pre-acquisition contract. Carrier stated Viessmann will not engage in future transactions with the embassy. The disclosure is required under the Securities Exchange Act for any transactions with sanctioned entities, regardless of size. Carrier's stock fell nearly 9% to $63.11 on the news, despite the company raising its full-year earnings outlook. The incident highlights compliance challenges in large-scale acquisitions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:23 PM UTC

Austria’s coalition government approved a major military reform extending mandatory service from six to nine months, effective January 2027. Citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising hybrid threats, Chancellor Christian Stocker said the “dream of lasting peace in Europe has shattered.” The reform adds reserve training, raises conscript pay to €1,000/month, and adjusts civilian service. It requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, with opposition parties critical. Austria, a neutral country surrounded by NATO members, moves against the European trend toward professional armies.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:00 PM UTC

The German Green Party has filed criminal charges against Austrian right-wing extremist Martin Sellner after he distributed a manipulated Green Party election poster on social media. The fake poster featured a photo montage of Abdul Ballout, the suspected attacker at a Christopher Street Day (CSD) event, with the slogan 'All Votes Green' and a link to the Bavarian Greens website. Green Secretary General Pegah Edalatian condemned the act as a 'perfidious' attempt by right-wing extremists to exploit a tragedy for political gain, emphasizing the party's dual stance against radical Islamism and right-wing extremism. Sellner, a leading figure in the Identitarian Movement and classified as a right-wing extremist by German constitutional protection authorities, has a history of legal battles over his public appearances. Courts have previously overturned bans on his events, citing insufficient evidence of imminent criminal offenses. The article also notes Sellner's contacts with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:55 PM UTC

Union Berlin central defender Leopold Querfeld, 22, posted a large-format red flower painting on Instagram, sparking fan curiosity about whether he painted it himself. The Austrian international, who was not nominated for the World Cup and used the break creatively, did not reveal if the artwork is his own. Querfeld has previously stated in 2024 that he enjoys drawing and creative expression. The painting features strong red tones, matching Union Berlin's club colors. No information was given on potential sale of the artwork. Sportingly, Querfeld is now focused on the new season; Union Berlin returned to training after a week of vacation and will hold a training camp in Styria, Austria from August 2 to 10, which is near Querfeld's hometown of Vienna.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:19 PM UTC

Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion was forced to relocate its pre-season training camp from Evian-les-Bains, France, to Austria after soccer pitches were damaged by helicopters used by world leaders attending the 52nd G7 Summit in June 2026. Among the leaders who landed on the fields were former U.S. President Donald Trump, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The turf did not recover in time for Brighton's scheduled use. The club reviewed the pitches and decided to move their European camp to Austria. Brighton's 2026/27 Premier League season begins on August 23 against Aston Villa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:00 PM UTC

In a pre-season friendly match on July 28, 2026, FC Venice defeated Turkish club Galatasaray 3-0 in Linz, Austria. The standout performer was German striker Lion Lauberbach, who came off the bench in the 62nd minute with the score 0-0. After teammate Yeboah opened the scoring in the 71st minute, Lauberbach converted a penalty in the 75th minute and added a second goal in stoppage time (90+2) to seal the victory. The 28-year-old, born in Erfurt, Germany, learned his craft at Rot-Weiß Erfurt's youth academy and has played for several German clubs including FSV Zwickau, Holstein Kiel, Hansa Rostock, and Eintracht Braunschweig, with whom he won promotion to the 2. Bundesliga in 2022. He moved to Belgian club KV Mechelen in 2023 before transferring to FC Venice in January 2026 for €3 million, helping the club earn promotion to Serie A. The match also featured former Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan and national team player Leroy Sané for Galatasaray.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:51 AM UTC

Austria has completed a €20 million renovation of Adolf Hitler’s birthplace in Braunau am Inn, transforming it into a police station to prevent neo-Nazi pilgrimages. The building, expropriated in 2017 after legal disputes, now houses the district police command. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner inaugurated the station on July 22, 2026, emphasizing its symbolism of democracy and rule of law. A memorial stone from Mauthausen concentration camp remains nearby. Critics call for more explicit confrontation with Nazi crimes at the site.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:18 PM UTC

Austrian actor Johannes Krisch, widely regarded as one of the country's most memorable character actors, has died at the age of 59 in Vienna. The announcement was made by the Theater in der Josefstadt, where he was a long-standing ensemble member alongside the Burgtheater. Krisch had been struggling with health problems for some time. He was known for numerous stage, film, and television roles, including appearances in the crime series 'Tatort' and David Schalko's series 'Braunschlag'. He also starred in the Oscar-nominated film 'Revanche' (2008) and the film 'Märzengrund' (2022). Former Theater in der Josefstadt director Herbert Föttinger honored him as 'one of the most important actors of his generation,' praising his intensity, truthfulness, and deep humanity. Krisch once described his preparation ritual as spitting three times on the stage floor and knocking on wood.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:03 PM UTC

Florian Lipowitz, 25, captain of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, crashed during the Tour de France individual time trial in Thonon-les-Bains on Tuesday, misjudging a turn and breaking his collarbone. He underwent successful surgery in Switzerland that evening and returned to Austria on Thursday. In his first public statement to ARD, Lipowitz said he is doing well given the circumstances and thanked fans for their overwhelming support. He admitted he is not following the Tour closely due to the emotional pain of his involuntary exit, but is pleased that teammate Remco Evenepoel finished second overall and won two stages. Lipowitz also revealed he is struggling with rib pain and breathing issues, and looks forward to returning to cycling pain-free, though a timeline remains uncertain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 04:18 PM UTC

During Schalke 04's traditional Blue-White Night at their training camp in Neustift, Austria, sports director Frank Baumann (50) endeared himself to fans by buying a round of beer for the remaining 25 supporters at the local pub 'Dorfwirt' shortly before closing time at 1:30 AM. The event, held on the last evening of the camp, saw players leave after about half an hour, but Baumann, along with transfer director Max Lüftl, board boss Matthias Tillmann, and football director Youri Mulder, stayed late to chat, sign autographs, and take selfies. Baumann, who is also working on a deal to sign veteran striker Edin Dzeko (40), personally treated the fans to wheat beer, costing just under 100 euros. The stage program was initially canceled due to thunderstorm concerns, but the weather improved, though many fans had already left. The club offered an additional autograph session the next morning as compensation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 12:30 PM UTC

On July 25, 2026, a motorhome driver on the A9 highway in southern Thuringia, Germany, failed to notice the end of a traffic jam between the Rudolphstein and Bad Lobenstein exits, causing a rear-end collision involving nine vehicles. The crash injured 34 people, including several children, all with minor to moderate injuries and none life-threatening. Among the damaged vehicles were two minibuses carrying 11 children with 'high support needs' and 8 caregivers returning from Austria. The highway was closed toward Berlin for approximately five and a half hours for rescue operations. Police estimated property damage at around 350,000 euros. The traffic jam was caused by an earlier accident involving a horse trailer that tipped over on the A9 around 6:00 p.m., leading to a full closure in both directions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 02:09 AM UTC

Dominic Thiem, 2020 US Open winner and former world No. 3 tennis player, has signed with Austrian eighth-tier football club Badener AC after retiring from tennis in 2024. The 32-year-old will compete for a starting spot without special treatment. He previously played for hometown club Lichtenwörth, scoring one goal in ten matches. Thiem will also serve as Austria’s ambassador for the European Super Cup match in Salzburg on August 12.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 26, 12:38 AM UTC

1. FC Köln began their pre-season training camp in Kitzbühel, Austria, with a fun team-building session at the Schwarzsee lake. New coach René Wagner organized a mini-Olympics with stand-up paddle polo, giant Jenga, and slingshot shooting, deliberately scheduling it early to take advantage of sunny weather. Wagner actively participated, including a duel with top star Said El Mala. The session aimed to bond the squad, especially new signings Luka Lochoshvili, Paul Okon-Engstler, Reigan Heskey, and Martin James. The team will train intensively in the following days and play a test match against Hertha BSC on July 31. Köln has won pre-season friendlies against Rheinsüd (5-0) and Bergisch Gladbach (8-0).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 07:25 PM UTC

1. FC Köln began their pre-season training camp in Kitzbühel, Austria, with a fun team-building session at the Schwarzsee lake. New head coach René Wagner organized a mini-Olympics featuring stand-up paddle polo, giant Jenga, and slingshot shooting, deliberately scheduling it early in the camp to take advantage of good weather. Wagner actively participated, even competing against star player Said El Mala. The session aimed to bond the squad, including new signings Luka Lochoshvili, Paul Okon-Engstler, Reigan Heskey, and Martin James. The team will train seriously from Sunday with nearly 500 traveling fans expected, and will play a test match against Hertha BSC on July 31st. Köln has already won pre-season friendlies against Rheinsüd (5-0) and Bergisch Gladbach (8-0).

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 07:25 PM UTC

During a pre-season friendly match between Hamburger SV (HSV) and 1. FC Heidenheim in Kematen near Innsbruck, Austria, a medical emergency occurred shortly before halftime. The stadium announcer repeatedly called for an ambulance, but none arrived until the end of the halftime break. HSV team doctor Dr. Wolfgang Schillings, a specialist in physical and rehabilitative medicine, immediately responded by grabbing his medical bag and rushing to an elderly spectator who had collapsed, likely due to circulatory problems from the intense heat. The patient was unresponsive briefly but regained speech, though remained disoriented and unable to stand. Dr. Schillings inserted an IV line for an infusion and stayed with the man, assisting paramedics in transporting him to the ambulance. Only after the patient was safely on his way to the hospital did the doctor return to the HSV bench as the second half began. The match ended 3-1 in favor of HSV.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 02:32 PM UTC

Werder Bremen defeated second-division VfL Bochum 2-0 in a 120-minute pre-season test match held in Zillertal, Austria, under 30-degree heat. The match was attended by Jörg Wontorra (77), former TV host and Werder fan who served on the club's supervisory board from 1999 to 2003. Tensions flared in the 46th minute when Bochum's Crimaldi fouled Werder's Felix Agu from behind, sparking a scuffle involving multiple players. VfL coach Uwe Rösler intervened to calm his team. Agu and ex-Bremen player Manuel Mbom received yellow cards. The sporting highlight came from 18-year-old Werder youngster Paul Erevbenagie, who scored a solo goal in the 42nd minute. In the second half, Werder fielded mostly reserves, and Salim Musah converted a penalty in the 70th minute to seal the win.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 01:29 PM UTC

Werder Bremen defeated second-division VfL Bochum 2-0 in a 120-minute pre-season friendly in Zillertal, Austria, attended by former TV host and Werder fan Jörg Wontorra. The match saw a heated scuffle in the 46th minute after Bochum's Crimaldi fouled Werder's Felix Agu from behind, prompting Agu to shove him and players from both sides to join in. Bochum coach Uwe Rösler intervened, and both Agu and ex-Bremen player Manuel Mbom received yellow cards. The sporting highlight came from 18-year-old Werder youngster Paul Erevbenagie, who scored a solo goal in the 42nd minute. In the second half, Werder fielded mostly reserves, and Salim Musah converted a penalty in the 70th minute to seal the win.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 01:29 PM UTC

On July 25, Japanese midfielder Takumu Kawamura completed a permanent transfer from Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg back to his former team, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, in Japan's J1 League. The move was prompted by multiple serious injuries that hindered his progress in Europe. Both clubs officially announced the transfer, with Salzburg expressing well-wishes for Kawamura's health and future. The 25-year-old midfielder originally moved to Salzburg in 2023 but struggled with fitness issues. Sanfrecce Hiroshima welcomed him back to their first team, aiming to reintegrate him into their squad for the remainder of the season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 07:03 AM UTC

Austria, under Minister for Europe, Integration and Family Claudia Bauer (ÖVP), is planning to implement particularly strict laws targeting migrants. The proposed measures include a ban on headscarves for girls and reductions in state benefits. Minister Bauer explains that Austria is going a step further than Germany in these policies, emphasizing closer monitoring of what she terms 'moral guardians.' The article, published by Die Welt on July 25, 2026, highlights Austria's increasingly hardline stance on integration and immigration, positioning the country as a leader in restrictive migrant policies within Europe.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 03:06 AM UTC

FC St. Pauli concluded their Austria training camp with a 1-4 loss to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth in Saalfelden. St. Pauli took an early lead through Martijn Kaars in the 22nd minute, but Bournemouth responded quickly, equalizing via Gannon-Doak in the 25th minute and taking a 2-1 lead before halftime. In the second half, Bournemouth's superior quality and squad depth, including substitutes like Adli, Kluivert, and Diakité, proved decisive. St. Pauli conceded two more goals, including a set-piece header from Diakité, making the final score 1-4. Coach Marcel Rapp's side struggled defensively, particularly from set pieces and against Bournemouth's physicality. Captain Branimir Hrgota acknowledged the defensive issues but noted the match was a valuable learning experience. St. Pauli's next test is against Deportivo A Coruña before their league opener against Fürth on August 9.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:22 PM UTC

Hertha BSC has secured its first external new signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in Austrian U21 international winger Oluwaseun Adewumi on a one-season loan from English second division club FC Burnley. The 21-year-old, who previously played for Cercle Brugge in Belgium where he scored 6 goals in 33 competitive matches, is under contract with Burnley until 2028. Hertha's sports director Benjamin Weber praised Adewumi's versatility, pace, and dynamism, noting he can play as a playmaker, second striker, or winger. The signing comes after 12 departures from the club, including key players like Tjark Ernst, Kennet Eichhorn, Fabian Reese, and Michael Cuisance. Adewumi expressed excitement about joining the traditional club and its fans, aiming to settle in quickly and contribute immediately.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:46 PM UTC

Hamburger SV (HSV) has signed 22-year-old Moroccan-French midfielder Bilal Nadir on a free transfer from Olympique Marseille, where his contract expired. Nadir, who played 40 Ligue 1 matches and four Champions League games for Marseille, signed a long-term deal reportedly until 2029. The move was announced during HSV’s training camp in Ötztal, Austria, after a medical check in Hamburg. Nadir, who overcame a cruciate ligament injury and a 2025 on-field collapse, aims to boost HSV’s midfield in the Bundesliga.

8 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:22 AM UTC

1. FC Köln faces a worrying start to their first training camp under coach Wagner in Kitzbühel, Austria. According to BILD, Ghanaian World Cup participant Gideon Mensah (28) is staying home due to the flu, disrupting plans for him to join after special leave. Additionally, new signing Reigan Heskey (18) has been unable to train for days because his work permit is still missing, and another new signing, Luka Lochoshvili (28), twisted his ankle during a test match victory over Bergisch Gladbach (8-0) and is now shaky. On a positive note, Linton Maina (27) has recovered from the flu and is traveling to Austria, and 18-year-old Martin James has been signed as the third goalkeeper on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:46 AM UTC