Schenna follows its own philosophy. © Andrea Giacomelli

No paid players: Schenna causes a stir

Before the second half of the Landesliga season starts, FC Schenna caused a great stir in the South Tyrolean football world with a statement.

February 04, 2026

From: det

The second half of the season in the Landesliga begins this weekend. Schenna faces a Herculean task. With only seven points, the team from the Burgraviate sits at the bottom of the table, and unless a miracle happens in the spring, the Schenna footballers will likely be relegated to the 1st Amateur League.

But that wouldn't be a disaster for the village club. The Schenners follow a philosophy that is becoming increasingly rare in South Tyrolean football. "We don't participate in the financial races in amateur football and we don't pay any players," is the core message of the Schenner statement, which has caused quite a stir on Facebook and Instagram in recent days.

The Schenner team is addressing a topic that repeatedly sparks heated discussions and raises eyebrows in local football. Increasingly, players are earning a substantial sum of money solely through their hobby. This is no longer limited to the Oberliga (fifth tier), but is now also happening in the lowest leagues.

Fueled by social media platforms

Schenna strongly opposes this. "We are addressing a problem that is increasingly shaping amateur football in South Tyrol. Players receive money to collect points at village clubs – without any prospect of professional careers, without media exposure, without any economic benefit for the clubs or the region. And yet many clubs play along."

"Football is becoming a market – not a community." FC Schenna

In recent years, this development has been further fueled "by social media platforms and communities that publicly discuss and evaluate transfers, sums and moves. Football is thus becoming a market – not a community," according to the regional league club.

Alex Mair, Schenna's figurehead.

Schenna clarifies: “We understand every player who chooses a financial offer. That’s human nature. But at the same time, something is lost that is rarely discussed: the core of a village team. Where previously, after the game, players would sit together, discuss, laugh, and celebrate, today some of them go straight home. Conversations between players and fans become less frequent. Closeness is lost. So is identification.”

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That's why Schenna is taking a different approach. "As the board, we made a conscious and clear decision not to pay any players. Of course, we reimburse expenses for those who travel long distances for their team. But there are no salaries, no bonuses, no hidden payments."

Schenna's post received widespread support from all parts of the country, was shared countless times, and garnered over 1.000 likes. Schenna's words have certainly given people food for thought.

Here is Schenna's statement in full.

Quo vadis, South Tyrolean amateur football?

At our last board meeting, in addition to the start of the second half of the season, the planning of various events and other club topics, there was one central point to discuss: our first team.

It's no secret that we had a hard time finding players willing to join us this season – including the fight to stay in the league.

What does "difficult to do" mean in this context?

It's not that we didn't try. We held talks, expressed interest, inquired with clubs, and contacted players.

The honest answer is different:

We were – and are – not prepared to participate in financial races on a so-called “Mercato” and to pay players for amateur football.

This brings us to a problem that is increasingly shaping amateur football in South Tyrol.

Players receive money to collect points at village clubs – without any prospect of professional careers, without media exposure, and without any economic benefit for the clubs or the region. And yet, many clubs still participate in this game.

In recent years, this trend has been further fueled by social media platforms and communities that publicly discuss and evaluate transfers, fees, and moves. Football is thus becoming a market – not a community.

We understand every player who chooses a financial offer. That's human nature.

But at the same time, something is lost that is hardly ever talked about: the core of a village team.

Where previously players would gather after the game to discuss, laugh, and celebrate, today some of them go straight home. Conversations between players and fans are becoming less frequent. Closeness is lost. So is identification.

We at FC Schenna will not go down this path.

As the board, we made a conscious and clear decision not to pay any players.

Of course, we offer expense reimbursements for those who travel long distances for their team. But there are no salaries, no bonuses, no hidden payments.

We want players who stand for our club – and for what it represents.

We want role models for our youth. On the pitch. And off it.
We celebrate – and we work. Volunteering thrives on that.
Football should bring joy, create community and unite people – not become a source of income to finance private obligations.

Those who play for us also help out: at events, behind the bar, and with cleaning up.

In return, you gain something priceless: a community that often lasts far beyond your active football career.

We don't want to persuade, have to persuade, or even "buy" anyone.
Passion for football should be shared – not created.

For us, football is more than just a result on Sunday.

What is created on the pitch – and especially what grows alongside it – is more important to us than any league table.

Anyone looking for a team where community, enjoyment of the game and cohesion are paramount – and not one's own bank account – is welcome with us.

On the pitch. In the locker room. And preferably for a drink afterwards. Or two. Or three.