Two Black Stars players robbed of luxury watches in Vienna

Ghana’s preparations for their international friendly against Austria were overshadowed by a security breach in Vienna after two Black Stars players had luxury watches stolen from their hotel rooms, local police have confirmed.

The incident occurred in the Austrian capital shortly before Friday’s match, with authorities reporting that the items taken included high-end Rolex watches valued in the “low to mid five-figure euro range”, in addition to an unspecified amount of cash. The thefts were said to have taken place in two separate rooms within the same hotel located in the city’s 22nd district, close to the match venue.

Police indicated that no force was used in carrying out the thefts and declined to release the identities of the affected players or the name of the hotel. Investigations are ongoing, with officers working to establish how the perpetrators gained access to the rooms.

The development has raised concerns over team security arrangements, particularly as such incidents are considered uncommon in Vienna, a city widely regarded for its safety record and consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world.

The off-field distraction came at a difficult moment for Ghana, who later suffered a heavy 5–1 defeat to Austria in the friendly encounter. The match formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While officials have not publicly linked the incident to any broader security lapses, the episode is likely to prompt a review of player safety protocols as the Black Stars continue their international engagements.