The International Fistball Association (IFA) will adjust the division of work in the General Secretariat as of April 1, 2025. The reason for this change is the reduction in working hours requested by Christoph Oberlehner, as he will take on the full-time position of Sports Officer for the Sports Minister of the State of Upper Austria. However, Oberlehner will continue to serve voluntarily in his role as IFA Secretary General, to which he was elected in 2023.
“My decision to reduce my working hours is in no way connected to the upcoming change of president at the IFA,” emphasizes Oberlehner. “The new position with the state of Upper Austria is a special opportunity for me personally, which I would like to seize. At the same time, I will remain closely connected to the IFA and Fistball and will be very committed to our sport.”

“Since 2018, Christoph has decisively shaped our organization with tireless commitment and passion and achieved many milestones. Although Christoph will be embarking on a new career path from April 1, we are delighted that he will remain with us as Honorary Secretary General. We are convinced that his knowledge and experience will continue to be invaluable to IFA. Thank you, Christoph, for your extraordinary commitment to IFA,” says IFA President Jörn Verleger.

 

Sönke Spille will take on additional responsibilities as the new Head of Office in the IFA General Secretariat. In addition to his current tasks, he will assume the management of the office, while certain duties from the event sector will be transferred to the IFA Communications Commission.

Furthermore, the responsibilities of Gastao Englert will be enlarged. Englert is leading the IOC recognition process for the IFA, which is set to open by June 2025 at the latest. Certain preparatory steps must already be taken to be well-prepared for the recognition procedure. Designated IFA President Gastao Englert will play a key role in updating and preparing the necessary documents.

President Jörn Verleger and Vice President Roger Willen will ensure IFA’s presence at international congresses and the cultivation of international relations. Willen has already participated in several events in the past and has been able to establish a strong network.

With these adjustments, the IFA ensures that all relevant tasks are efficiently distributed and that the organizational challenges of the coming months will be successfully managed.