In December 2025, the AFBÖ received information about a possible incorrect registration of a Salzburg Ducks player. After inquiries and checks, it was determined that the reported player had actually been incorrectly registered by his club with the AFBÖ as an Ö- or Ö-B class player for the 2025 AFL season.
To explain the situation: When applying for the player pass, the player was applied for as “Ö class according to the competition regulations” in the form provided for this purpose. This did not correspond to the facts, as the player in question should have been applied for as an A-class player according to the WSO due to his experience in a US college.
How does a player’s classification work in the AFBÖ: The player pass form states clearly and unambiguously: “We register the player named below with the AFBÖ for playing (tackle football) and apply for the issuance of a player license. The player was informed about his rights and obligations towards the AFBÖ. The data and documents listed were checked for accuracy by the applying club. The applying club is liable for their accuracy.”
With the signatures, both the player and the club confirmed the accuracy of the data and information provided in the form.
In the present case, either the player should have reported that he played at a US college in the past, or the club, which is closely looking at the player’s development and previous experiences, playing stations and achievements, should have noticed.
After the player in question has been used in every AFL regular season game from March 30, 2025, these nine games will be penalized with 0:35 in favor of the opposing team according to WSO of the AFBÖ Part 1 §13 and §19 and will be included in the ranking accordingly.
AFBÖ President Michael Eschlböck: „The situation is disappointing for the AFBÖ as it is the second such case in a very short period of time. In both cases there was clearly a false report by the player and/or the club. According to our regulations, member clubs are obliged to provide truthful information. The AFBÖ is therefore only required to inspect in the event of major abnormalities. This is no different when you apply for an ID card from an authority. You can’t give incorrect information and then potentially blame the authorities. In both cases, the AFBÖ is forced to act in accordance with the catalog of penalties and the tax code.”
AFBÖ league board member Christian Weissina: „The incorrect classification of a player, like game cancellations, is one of the absolute no-gos in football. It harms all clubs, the league and the association. The competition regulations (WSO), which are decided by the clubs themselves, clearly regulate the sanctions envisaged in such cases. The association is obliged to consistently implement these provisions and to punish corresponding violations. In the future, the AFBÖ will carry out an additional routine check on every registered player. With around 3,500 player passes per year, this measure means considerable additional effort, but is a necessary measure to ensure that processing is carried out in accordance with the rules. Such violations must not be repeated. We as an association appeal to all clubs to take their responsibility when registering players seriously and to scrupulously comply with the applicable regulations – in the interests of fair and credible competition.”
