Outrage in Austria Over Secret Filming of Female Football Players

A man has received a seven-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of €1,200 (£1,046) for secretly filming and photographing female players in the changing room, gym, and showers of the Altach women’s football team. The ruling was issued by the regional court in Feldkirch, Austria, where the judge emphasized the severity of the act, stating that the difference between viewing images and creating them is significant. The defendant, who had worked as a top-level referee in Switzerland and as an official at Altach from 2020 to 2025, accepted the sentence, although the prosecutor is considering an appeal. Additionally, the man is required to pay €625 in compensation to each of the victims.

The Guardian

The case has sparked outrage among the victims and the broader community. Eleni Rittmann, a former Altach player now with Evian in France, expressed her disbelief at the leniency of the sentence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent. She highlighted the emotional toll on the players, stating, “We felt secure in our dressing room and this hurt our privacy so badly that some of us do not feel safe in public showers even now.” A statement from the victims described the incident as devastating, noting that the dressing room, once considered a safe space, was violated by someone they trusted.

The Guardian

The case has drawn significant attention in Austria, with Sport Minister Michaela Schmidt condemning the actions as “disgusting.” She remarked on the implications for female athletes, stating, “If female athletes are not even safe in their own dressing rooms because of an official then they have nothing to stand on.”

The Guardian

In response to the incident, the Altach club has pledged to support the affected players and is undertaking an internal review to implement additional protective measures. Manuel Willam, an assistant to the board at Altach, announced that the club is collaborating with the Austrian Football Association and the Austrian Sports Federation to enhance security protocols in sports, with plans to present these measures in March.

The Guardian

• “This leaves me speechless,” — Eleni Rittmann, Former Altach Player

The Guardian

• “We are young women, partly still young girls. What has happened has pulled the rug from under our feet. For years he told us that the dressing room was our home but this home was then destroyed by someone who we thought was part of this family.” — Victims' Statement

The Guardian

• “If female athletes are not even safe in their own dressing rooms because of an official then they have nothing to stand on,” — Michaela Schmidt, Sport Minister

The Guardian

• “I agree with the statements made by my lawyer, but I would still like to express my sympathy to all those affected and apologise for my actions.” — Defendant in Court

The Guardian

While the prosecutor has indicated the possibility of an appeal, the defense lawyer noted that the photos and videos had not been shared with third parties and have since been seized and destroyed. The finality of the court's decision remains uncertain pending the prosecutor's review.

The Guardian