Outrage in Austria after man ordered to pay female footballers €625 each for secretly filming dressing room

Guardian Sport

by Marcus Christenson

February 25, 2026

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A man who formerly worked at Altach FC has been sentenced to a seven-month suspended prison term and fined €1,200 after being convicted of illegally recording female footballers in the team's changing rooms, gyms, and showers. The court ordered him to pay each victim €625 in compensation, with the judge emphasizing the seriousness of capturing such intimate moments, stating it makes a significant difference "if one looks at pictures or actually creates them oneself." While the defendant accepted the sentence, the prosecutor may appeal the decision. This case has set a precedent in Austria for addressing privacy violations and sexual exploitation within sports organizations. Altach FC, based in Vorarlberg, competes in the Austrian Women's Bundesliga, the top tier of women's football in the country. The former official gained unauthorized access to private spaces where the players changed and showered after matches and training sessions. The recordings were made over several months, capturing moments meant to be entirely personal and confidential. This invasion of privacy not only breaches trust but also undermines the professional environment of athletes who require a safe space to prepare for competitions. This case highlights critical issues relevant to sports enthusiasts: the importance of safeguarding athlete privacy and maintaining trust within teams. Female athletes often face unique

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/25/2026