Khaberni - The football community in Austria is shaken by a loud scandal, after the discovery of hidden cameras in the changing rooms and bathrooms of the women's team at SC R Altach, one of the first division clubs.
"The Guardian" reported that a man accused of planting the cameras is scheduled to appear in court next week, in a case described as shocking to the public sports opinion.
According to the public prosecutor's office in Feldkirch, about 30 players were identified in the recordings, and some players are considering filing civil lawsuits against the accused.
One of the players, who spoke anonymously to the "Vorarlberger Nachrichten" newspaper, said the team learned of the incidents through the media before being summoned to an emergency meeting.
She added: "We were in complete shock, and it felt like the ground was pulled from under our feet." She asserted that overcoming the effects of the incident would take a long time and described what happened as "disgusting and horrifying."
The club confirmed in an official statement that it provided immediate support for the players in cooperation with victim protection specialists, emphasizing its full commitment to supporting the affected players and enhancing protective measures in the future, in coordination with the Austrian Football Association and relevant sports bodies.
The Austrian Minister of Sports, Michaela Schmid, strongly condemned the incidents and described them as "disgusting," demanding a thorough investigation and radical reforms within the club, affirming that "female athletes should feel safe everywhere."
The accused faces charges of misusing recording devices and violations related to pornographic material, while it is still unclear whether he watched, retained, or produced the filmed material.
Local reports indicate that the case was revealed following German and Swiss investigations into suspicions related to child pornography.
