Ghana’s preparations for an international friendly against Austria were thrown into disarray after two members of the Black Stars squad had luxury watches and cash stolen from their hotel rooms, Austrian police have confirmed.
The theft occurred on Friday in the Austrian capital, just hours before the team’s scheduled match. According to authorities, the stolen items include high-end Rolex watches valued in the “low to mid five-figure euro range,” along with an unspecified amount of cash. The incidents took place in two separate rooms at the same hotel, located in Vienna’s 22nd district near the match venue.
Police have stated that no force was used during the thefts and have not disclosed the identities of the affected players or the name of the establishment. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the perpetrators gained access to the rooms.
The security breach has raised questions about the team’s safety protocols, particularly as such incidents are rare in Vienna—a city internationally recognized for its safety and consistently ranked among the most liveable in the world.
The off-field distraction compounded a difficult day for the Black Stars, who went on to suffer a heavy 5–1 defeat to Austria in the friendly. The match served as part of both nations’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While team officials have not yet linked the incident to broader security lapses, the episode is expected to prompt a review of player safety measures as Ghana continues its international engagements.
