Ghana's Black Stars Targeted by Robbery in Vienna Ahead of Austria Friendly
The Ghana national football team has been struck by a suspected robbery at their training camp in Vienna, Austria, just hours before their scheduled international friendly match. The incident has cast a shadow over the team's preparations, raising serious concerns about security protocols.
Details of the Theft Emerge
According to reports, the senior national team, known as the Black Stars, began their camp on Sunday, with training sessions commencing on Monday. After their third session on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, two players reported that their luxury Rolex watches, valued at approximately $20,000, had been stolen from the hotel premises.
The following day, the situation worsened when a member of the technical team discovered that $2,250 in cash was also missing. Team officials acted swiftly, involving local authorities to investigate the thefts. However, their efforts faced an immediate setback.
Security Footage Issues Hinder Investigation
Hotel management informed the team that security cameras were faulty and not operational during the time of the incident, complicating the police review. The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, confirmed this development, stating that preliminary reports indicate the CCTV system was non-functional.
"They are working to carry out the investigation. The initial report we have is that the CCTV was not functioning, and the police are checking when it stopped working and who was responsible for the hotel's surveillance system at that time," Adams said. This revelation has prompted a thorough police inquiry into the hotel's security lapses.
Team Focuses on Upcoming Match Despite Disturbance
Despite the unsettling events, the Black Stars are determined to proceed with their match against Austria. The friendly is set to take place at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion this evening, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 GMT. The team's resilience will be tested as they aim to overcome this distraction and perform on the field.
The robbery has sparked discussions about the safety measures in place for international sports teams during overseas camps. Authorities continue to investigate, hoping to identify the perpetrators and prevent similar incidents in the future.
