Vorarlberg identified as potential birthplace of Austrian football

The origins of football in Austria may be linked to the Vorarlberg region, potentially introduced through global connections established by the local textile industry. Theories suggest that the sport spread from England to the Lake Constance area, where business travelers may have encountered it during the late 19th century.

While the First Vienna FC in Vienna is recognized as the oldest football club in Austria, founded in 1894, FC Lustenau 07 followed in 1907. The club's roots lie in a gymnastics club, and due to a lack of local competition, they initially played matches against teams from Switzerland and Germany.

Another theory explores whether a world-famous British writer played a role in bringing the sport to the country via an elite school in Feldkirch, though the connection remains a subject of historical inquiry.