Less than two years after recording a 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates in Europa League play, Swedish club Ostersunds is facing a severe financial crisis.
The side, which sits in 13th position in the Allsvenskan table – just a spot above the relegation zone – is facing massive debt and a significant past due sum. According to a club statement, around $1.5 million is required by the end of the year to keep the club afloat. That includes $1 million that must be raised by the end of the month, plus another $143,000 tax payment due by the start of November.
The club is asking for donations to help keep the team running, with around $613,000 already reportedly raised. Former manager Graham Potter, who was in charge for the win at Arsenal and now heads English club Brighton & Hove Albion, has apparently contributed to the cause.
“We ask you to think back on all the wonderful memories and what joy and pride we experienced together with OFK,” the club’s statement read. “If we are to experience it again, we must together help to get out of this crisis.”
Former chairman Daniel Kindberg, who hired Potter for his first managerial position back in 2010 and saw the club promoted to the top flight in 2015, is on trial for financial crimes involving the club such as tax fraud. The club won the 2017 Swedish Cup, but could be dumped out of the league should Kindberg be found guilty.
