Dieter Elsneg becomes new Sporting Director of First Vienna FC 1894
After intensive discussions and a comprehensive selection process, Vienna has appointed Dieter Elsneg as its new Sporting Director. The 36-year-old prevailed following numerous talks with national and international candidates and will assume overall responsibility for sporting matters at Austria’s oldest football club.
With Dieter Elsneg, Vienna gains a proven football expert with in-depth knowledge of Austrian professional football and experience in sports management. During his active playing career, the Styrian made over 200 appearances in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga.
After ending his playing career, Elsneg moved into management and took on the role of Sporting Director at Grazer AK. There, he guided the club to promotion to the Bundesliga in 2024 and subsequently played a key role in successfully establishing the team in the top division. He will now take over sporting leadership at the Hohe Warte.
President Kurt Svoboda convinced by the decision
President Kurt Svoboda is delighted with the appointment: “I am very pleased that we were able to bring Dieter Elsneg to Vienna. He knows Austrian football, and particularly the demands of the second division, extremely well and fully identifies with our sporting philosophy and the requirements of the Vienna. I am convinced that he will fill the role of Sporting Director perfectly. Together with the existing team, he will drive the holistic development and further professionalization of the club and do everything possible to successfully achieve our sporting goals.”
Clear sporting direction
In his new role, Dieter Elsneg will be responsible for the club’s overall sporting strategy. This includes squad and transfer planning as well as the structural development of the sporting department.
With this appointment, First Vienna FC sends a clear signal for a sporting reset and a consistent, long-term development process. Elsneg will be supported by Vienna’s existing technical directorate.
“The right moment for a new chapter”
Dieter Elsneg is highly motivated about his new role: “After my intense and very rewarding time at GAK, I deliberately decided to take a short break. Now is the right moment to start a new chapter. Vienna is an exceptional club with great tradition, unique flair, and clear objectives. The discussions were very positive from the beginning. I see great potential here to make an impact, contribute my experience, and, together with those responsible, further develop the club sporting-wise and make it sustainably successful.”
