A man has been handed a seven-month suspended prison sentence and fined €1,200 (£1,046) for secretly filming female footballers in the dressing room, gym and showers of the Altach women's team. The regional court in Feldkirch, Austria, also ordered him to pay each victim €625 in compensation. The defendant accepted the sentence, but the prosecutor may appeal.
The man, a former referee and club official, filmed players—including minors—between 2020 and 2025. Around 30 players were identified in the recordings. The judge noted a difference between viewing images and creating them oneself. The defence said the photos and videos had not been shared and have been destroyed.
Former Altach player Eleni Rittmann, now with Evian in France, expressed outrage on Instagram, questioning whether the punishment was a deterrent. She said the violation left some players feeling unsafe in public showers. The victims' statement read in court described the betrayal as having 'pulled the rug from under our feet'.
Austria's sport minister, Michaela Schmidt, called the crimes 'disgusting' and said female athletes should be safe in their dressing rooms. The club has pledged to introduce additional protective measures in collaboration with the Austrian FA and Sports Federation, with a plan expected in March.
