Tony Polster has three games in particular in his sights. These were counted as unofficial international matches and therefore could not be counted. Specifically, it is about the duels against Liechtenstein (0:6 in Vaduz on 7 June 1984, one cushion goal), against Tunisia (1:3 in Tunis on 7 February 1987, two cushion goals) and Morocco ( (3:1 on February 2, 1988, no cushion goal). These games do not appear in OFB international match statistics – the match in Vaduz is not officially recognized by the Liechtenstein Association, probably because there were wild substitutions. This was the case, for example, with Alfred Drebitsch alternating in and out in this match.
But Tony Polster doesn’t understand this at all. “Of course I want these three games and three goals, anything else would be a great injustice,” Vinnies said.
According to his own statements, this is the fact that has troubled the pollster “for decades”. That is why the former striker (59) called lawyer Manfred Anedter in this matter. The lawyer has already contacted OFB. “Unfortunately, the discussions so far have yielded no results. Now we’re just thinking about how to move forward,” Einander said. The lawyer believes that the domestic association can recognize the three sports as official, regardless of FIFA and UEFA. “Our opinion is that it is exclusively up to the OFB to recognize or not to recognize the games and goals.”
But OFB Secretary General Thomas Hollerer denied this. “Unfortunately, this is a FIFA issue as it involves official games under the auspices of the world association. Therefore we cannot take decisions ourselves. We can only apply to FIFA if the criteria are met, but that is not the case,” the lawyer said.
At that time there were no international match calendars and no mandatory parking. At this time, the national unions agreed among themselves on dates and outline conditions. “At that time it was deliberately decided that some international matches would not be official. For example, it was about the possibility of being able to substitute players out and back in,” Höllerer said.
Viennese discussed the pollster’s wishes with key world association officials at the FIFA Congress in Rwanda last March and received a clear message. “At that time it was decided that international matches would be unofficial. We can’t confirm until later that he will be officially classified,” Hoellerer said, adding: “We would like to help Tony. “We have no reason not to want him to be given credit for his play and goals, but unfortunately our hands are tied.”
If, contrary to expectations, Toni Polster is credited with three goals, he will give his credit to Arnautovic. The Inter Milan ace scored 36 goals ahead of today’s European Championship qualifying match against Estonia in Tallinn. “But it’s nothing to do with Marco or me being afraid of my goal record. Polster insisted, “It’s just an injustice that stinks and I would like to correct it.” If he still overtakes Arnautovic, “I will be the first one to congratulate him,” the Viennese promised.
