Switzerland coaches had computers stolen in Duesseldorf during Euro 2024, though no sensitive data or information about their next match against Italy has been compromised, the team said on Tuesday.

Video analysts responsible for preparing data and tactical information for team coaches were not impacted as they were at Switzerland’s base camp in Stuttgart, a spokesperson for the team said, confirming three laptops were taken.

Those affected were part of a delegation of junior national team coaches who were travelling across Germany to observe and analyse matches.

“No sensitive data or no information about the upcoming match against Italy has been lost,” the official said in an email.

Switzerland have reached the knockout stages of their sixth successive major tournament and play Italy in Berlin on Saturday

-Reuters

Luka Modric is the tournament’s oldest goalscorer and Cristiano Ronaldo has now played at six European Championships but neither can get even close to Euro 2024’s oldest volunteer.

With a foam finger on his hand and a smile on his face, 89-year-old Reiner Spankuch helps guide football fans from all over Europe to their seats at Leipzig Stadium.

“I started volunteering in 2006, at the World Cup in Leipzig,” Spankuch told Reuters

“When I reached retirement age, I wanted to have a job, stay busy, move around and be among people. And it became what it is today.”

Spankuch has since earned a wealth of experience, the role taking him as far afield as Las Vegas to volunteer at a table tennis tournament, a sport he still plays himself.

“I’ve been working at these events almost every year since 2006, six to seven events a year. And I’m still at RB Leipzig, volunteering in visitor management, and I’m a companion for bus trips to away games,” he said.

“What matters most of all is the connection to the people, the fans. That’s what enlivens the spirit, and I have wonderful experiences.”

Spankuch, who turns 90 in August, believes this tournament is more enjoyable than the 2006 World Cup.

“The mood is even better than in 2006. What the Dutch did here, also the French. It’s really the mood, despite the rain at the beginning,” he said.

“The mood is great also among the locals. You have a feeling for that as a volunteer. And it will increase the better the German side becomes.”

-Reuters

Reiner Spankuch, at 89 years old, is Euro 2024’s oldest volunteer, guiding football fans at Leipzig Stadium. Starting his volunteer journey in 2006, Reiner has accumulated vast experience across multiple events.

His passion for connecting with people and enriching fan experiences underscores his commitment to the role.