The Austrian Ice Hockey Association (ÖEHV) and the daily newspaper “Kurier” agreed on a settlement on Friday before the Vienna Commercial Court. This ends a procedure that the association had originally initiated itself.
The ÖEHV had filed a lawsuit against the “Kurier” and one of its sports editors because it felt that an article about the association’s financial situation had “presented it in a completely negative manner” (we reported). During the hearing presided over by judge Mag. Katharina Leitner, the court pushed for an amicable settlement – with success.
Both sides agreed to draw up a joint statement in the coming weeks, which would also enable the association to “save face”. The ÖEHV covers 1,500 euros from the other side as part of the procedural costs, as the “Standard” reports.
ÖEHV President Klaus Hartmann, Vice President Nicolas Stockhammer and lawyer Heinz-Dietmar Schimanko were present. Several witnesses, including team boss Roger Bader, were also invited, but ultimately did not have to testify.
The settlement avoids a public process that might have dragged on for a long time. ÖEHV press spokespersons and “Kurier” editors are expected to finalize the joint statement within the next three weeks.
Pic: foto-dostal.at
