PM Orbán’s friend, the wealthiest Hungarian, Lőrinc Mészáros, may buy top Austrian football club

Lőrinc Mészáros is the wealthiest Hungarian who gained his wealth from public procurements won under the prime ministership of Viktor Orbán. Orbán and Mészáros are friends, and both live in Felcsút, a small village near Székesfehérvár. It seems Mészáros wants to buy Austria Wien, one of the top soccer clubs of our western neighbour, which is in second place in the Bundesliga, only 3 points behind Sturm Graz.

Lőrinc Mészáros may buy a top Austrian football association

According to 444, the Hungarian entrepreneur from Felcsút is negotiating with Austria Wien about becoming a shareholder in one of Austria’s top soccer teams. Kurier, a local newspaper, wrote about the talks. Austria Wien needs an investor urgently because they have to buy back some shares from a minority owner by next Saturday. If not, share prices will increase by 20%, an unbearable burden since the club struggles with severe financial problems.

According to the newspaper, the football association’s primary target was to sell its stadium, Estadio Franz Horr, known as Generali Arena, for EUR 45-50 million. However, Lőrinc Mészáros is interested in the club, not the stadium. Reportedly, he expressed that interest months ago. 444 contacted the Mészáros Group with their questions but has not received an answer yet.

With a successful deal, Mészáros could become the minority owner of a renowned Austrian soccer association. So far, Austria Wien has won the Bundesliga 23 times, the Austrian Cup 27 times, and the Austrian Supercup 6 times. They are currently in second place of the Austrian Bundesliga, only three points behind Sturm Graz.