Table tennis scandal – coach sent ‘love letters’ to minors

The next mudflat! Recently, an investigative committee stated that the leadership of the Austrian Table Tennis Association (ÖTTV) around President Wolfgang Gotschke and sports boss Stefan Fegerl showed “serious shortcomings in the areas of social skills, communication and association management”.

Now the ‘Krone’ has learned that ‘100% Sport’ – an autonomous association of the Ministry of Sports that focuses on gender competence and ‘safe sport’ – is investigating 14-year-old female talent due to ‘inappropriate approaches’ by a former young compensation trainer.

The Carinthian national coach Branka Pasalic got the ball rolling. Several young team players confided in her and expressed their discomfort in the coach’s presence. According to information from “Krone”, the coach would have gone to the sauna, swimming pool and infrared cabin with his proteges. He is also said to have sent “love letters” to several players.

The association is said to have once received advice not to impose an obligation, because such incidents had occurred in the past. Naturally, Pasalic also informed ÖTTV about the current incidents. The coach was released and now works for a regional association.

Pasalic is now in the crosshairs of ÖTTV
The way ÖTTV is now dealing with Pasalic is questionable. The contract stipulates that she will be sent to international tournaments in her role. Which doesn’t happen anymore. “Fegerl told me this is how traitors are dealt with,” Pasalic said. The team leader himself was not available for comment.

Financing is “saved”
ÖTTV also announced that financing for Pasalic’s contract in Carinthia will be stopped from 2026. While insiders describe this as an “act of revenge”, ÖTTV justifies this with savings. It is curious, however, that the association’s budget for legal remedies has been increased by 25,000 euros.