Austria Salzburg

Austria Salzburg is a football club based in Salzburg, Austria, with a rich history dating back to its inception in 1933. The club, initially known as SV Austria Salzburg, has experienced a series of transformations, marked by successes, challenges, and rebirths.

In its early years, Austria Salzburg enjoyed moderate success, often fluctuating between the first and second tiers of Austrian football. However, the club's fortunes changed in the 1990s when it became a dominant force in Austrian football, winning the Austrian Bundesliga three times in 1994, 1995, and 1997.

In 2005, the club underwent a significant transformation when Red Bull GmbH purchased it. The new owners rebranded the club as Red Bull Salzburg, changing its colours from the traditional violet and white to red and white. This move sparked controversy and led to a split among the fans. A group of supporters, loyal to the club's traditional identity, decided to form a new club to preserve the original name and colours of Austria Salzburg.

This new club, known as SV Austria Salzburg, started from the very bottom of the Austrian football league system in 2006. Despite starting in the seventh tier, the club rapidly climbed the ranks, reaching the second tier, known as the Austrian Football First League, by 2015. This remarkable rise was a testament to the resilience and passion of the club's supporters.

However, financial difficulties led to a decline, and the club was relegated back to the third tier, the Regionalliga, in 2017. Despite these challenges, the club remains committed to its roots and continues to be a symbol of fan ownership and resistance against commercialisation in football.

Austria Salzburg's home ground is the MyPhone Austria Stadium, a venue that holds a capacity of 1,600 spectators. The club's fanbase, known as the "Violets", is renowned for its passionate and vocal support. Despite the club's struggles on the pitch, the fans continue to rally behind their team, embodying the spirit of loyalty and dedication.

Throughout its history, Austria Salzburg has produced several notable players who have gone on to have successful careers both domestically and internationally. These include players like Otto Konrad, Heribert Weber, and Eddie Gustafsson.

Austria Salzburg's story is one of resilience, passion, and loyalty. Despite the challenges and transformations, the club continues to stand as a symbol of tradition and fan power in an increasingly commercialised world of football.