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Austria Wien were founded in Vienna on March 12 1911 as the Wiener Amateur Sportvereinigung by players and officials of the Vienna Cricket- and Football- Club. Club colours are violet and white. The first championship title was won in 1924. In 1926 the Amateure changed their name to Austria as the former amateurs had become professionals.
The 1930s, one of Austria’s most successful eras brought two Mitropa Cup titles a predecessor of today’s Champions League (1933, 1936). During this time world class players like Matthias Sindelar wore the violet jersey.
During the time of the Nazi dictatorship (1938 – 1945) most of Austria’s officials and some of their players, being Jewish, had to leave the country. Star player Sindelar died mysteriously on January 23 1939 of carbon monoxide poisoning in his apartment.
Post World War II a new successful era began with Austria winning national championship titles in 1949, 1950, 1953 and 1961 – 63 as well as 1969 and 1970.
The 1970s saw the beginning of another glorious era of the club as the Violets won 8 national championship titles between 1976 and 1986 (1976,1978-81,1984-86) and made it to the Final of the European Cup (which was lost 0:4 to FC Brugge). Players included the world famous Herbert Schneckerl Prohaska, and Toni Polster.
In the beginning of the 90's FK Austria enjoyed its so far last successful era: three championship titles (1991-93), three cup titles (1990, 1992, 1994) as well as four Super cup titles ( Austrian national champion vs. Cup winner) (1991-94) were won.
After a period of ten years without a title Austria won the title again in 2003. To this day Austria are known for their very fancy and creative style of playing football which on the downside has frequently led to unnecessary losses and makes the team somewhat unpredictable.
Contrary to common belief Austria Wien are the "real" Austrian record champion since 16 of the 30 titles of local rival Rapid Wien were won before the establishment of an all Austrian league (vs. only 3 for Austria Wien).
Football (soccer) stubs