The coaching staff of Switzerland’s national football team experienced a setback as three computers were stolen from a hotel in Dusseldorf before their Euro 2024 match against Italy. The team has confirmed their preparations for the upcoming match remain unaffected, as no sensitive data was lost. Switzerland, based in Stuttgart for the tournament, finished second in Group A after a stoppage-time equalizer in their final group game.
They will face Italy, the runners-up in Group B, in Berlin on Saturday at 5 pm BST. The stolen computers belonged to junior national team coaches in Dusseldorf to observe other Euro 2024 matches. The Swiss Football Association has clarified that the stolen devices did not contain strategic or tactical information related to the national team’s preparation, as this data is managed by video analysts based in Stuttgart.
The junior coaches were assigned to analyze tactical trends and developments throughout the tournament as part of their professional development. Despite this unfortunate event, the senior team’s preparations continue without disruption.
Swiss staff remain focused despite theft
Switzerland began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 3-1 victory, followed by two 1-1 draws against Germany and another team, ending the group stage unbeaten with five points. The incident in Dusseldorf has not deterred the team’s focus as they look forward to their knockout match against Italy. The Swiss Football Association has informed the police about the theft and is working with the authorities to investigate the matter.
Adrian Arnold, spokesperson for the Swiss federation, said, “I can confirm that three computers belonging to our staff disappeared from the hotel; we have informed the police.
He added, “There were no data stored on the three computers that we use for this tournament. If it was sabotage against our team, then it failed.”
The hotel has provided all security camera footage to the German authorities to aid in the investigation. However, the stolen computers and the culprit(s) remain at large.
Switzerland continues their preparation for the upcoming match against Italy, which promises to be one of the most evenly contested games in the Round of 16. The Swiss team has been a revelation in this tournament, having reached the quarterfinals in 2021 before being eliminated by Spain on penalties.
