1968–69 Austrian football championship

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**1968–69 Austrian Football Championship**
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The 1968–69 Austrian football championship was hosted by the Austrian Football Association. The regional leagues East (Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland), Mitte (Upper Austria, Styria, Carinthia) and West (Salzburg, Tyrol, Vorarlberg) served as the base for the National League.

**First Level of Performance – National League**
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In the 1968–69 season, Wiener Austria was a dominant force in its fourth year under coach Ernst Ocwirk. The team achieved an impressive record, with only one defeat in 30 rounds, including a close 2-3 home loss to Linz ASK on March 7, 1969.

The title was prematurely fixed with a 4:1 win over FC Wacker Innsbruck on June 8, 1969. Helmut Köglberger from LASK was a key player for the team, scoring 31 goals and becoming the top scorer.

As Austrian Champion, Austria qualified for the European Cup of national champions in 1970. Rapid Wien also represented Austria in the European Cup, but were eliminated in the first round after losing to PSV Eindhoven in both matches. The team's performance was seen as a statement by Sporting Director Karl Rappan, who mentioned that the team needed renovation.

**Other Competitions**
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Austria participated in the Fair Cities Cup, where they won their home game against Ruch Chorzów 4:2 but lost 1:4 away. LASK also represented Austria in the Trade Fair City Cup, but were eliminated after losing to Sporting Lisbon 0:4 and drawing 2:2 at home.

**Financial Issues**
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The national league clubs filed a lawsuit against the Austrian Football Association due to low television viewership figures. The average revenue per club was reported to be around 160,000 schillings from ORF, with individual clubs receiving varying amounts depending on their broadcast. In contrast, German Bundesliga clubs received 90,000 Deutsche Marks (approximately 600,000 schillings) from radio and television stations.

**Federal Board Meeting**
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A Federal Board meeting of the ÖFB was held in Kapfenberg on December 13, 1969, but did not address the expected issues related to the lawsuit.