Football Federation Australia (FFA) has responded to a media report about the purpose of Thursday's meeting in Sydney between the FFA and the Hyundai A-League clubs.
FFA understands that prior to its meeting with the clubs, the clubs are getting together as they often do.
FFA notes that there is a legally binding agreement between each club and FFA that governs the relationship between them.
These agreements are in force until 2020 with the exception of Wellington Phoenix, whose licence expires in 2016 and requires FFA, AFC and FIFA agreement to extend.
Following the recent meetings with individual clubs, involving FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC, FFA Deputy Chairman Brian Schwartz, FFA CEO Ben Buckley and Head of Hyundai A-League Lyall Gorman, Thursday's meeting will focus on the sustainability of the A-League and the introduction of a joint FFA-Club A-League committee.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Hyundai A-League clubs, meeting in Sydney today, have agreed to a new governance structure for policy and strategic matters affecting the national competition.
The Joint A-League Strategic Committee (JALSC) will be chaired by the FFA Deputy Chairman Brian Schwartz.
Two other FFA directors and three A-League club chairmen will be appointed to the six-member body, which will meet on a bi-monthly basis.
FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC has welcomed the formation of the new committee as a highly significant development in the relationship between the governing body and the clubs.
�We now have a united stance in the next phase of building our national competition,� said Mr Lowy.
�The spirit of co-operation in today�s meeting shows we have a true partnership between FFA and the clubs.
�We�re all in this together and I�m very excited that the knowledge and passion of the club owners will be harnessed in this new committee.�
The scope of matters to be considered by the JALSC will include:
� Competition structure and policy including match schedule, season window and number of rounds
� Revenue growth maximisation strategies and policies and strengthening the capital base of the game
� Benchmarking analysis and financial regulation policy
� Player contract regulations
� Collective Bargaining Agreement framework
� Disciplinary regulations & Grievance procedures
� Community engagement strategy
Speaking on behalf of the Hyundai A-League clubs, Central Coast Mariners Chairman Peter Turnbull welcomed today�s agreement on the new governance structure.
�This committee will provide a meaningful opportunity to direct the development of policy and strategy for the competition,� said Mr Turnbull.
�It has been agreed that this body will effectively and proactively bring a unity of purpose to the task of building club football in Australia.�
Today�s meeting provided a full briefing to the A-League clubs on the economic landscape for the game, including the current financial outlook of FFA and the Hyundai A-League, forecasts for 2012/13, media rights and commercial rights.
Speaking after the meeting, FFA CEO Ben Buckley praised the collaboration between the governing body and the clubs in addressing the major issues facing the Hyundai A-League.
�When we announced the FFA Strategic Plan 2015 last year we made the sustainability of the A-League the fundamental aim of our domestic agenda,� said Mr Buckley.
�Today we have a new forum that�s been established in spirit of co-operation and partnership. That will enhance our efforts to shape the economic model for the national competition.�
Today�s meeting follows a month of face-to-face consultations with clubs, involving FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC, FFA Deputy Chairman Brian Schwartz, Head of Hyundai A-League Lyall Gorman and CEO Ben Buckley.
Frank Lowy and Paul Ramsay are withdrawing their backing of Sydney FC, leaving the club in the hands of Russian billionaire David Traktovenko, who will now own more than 90 per cent of the under-performing Sky Blues.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/lowy-sells-out-of-sydney-fc-20120504-1y3nt.html#ixzz1tsPEu900
Interesting the way clubs are being sold / bought to overseas interests
CCM has almost got new owners too
"Central Coast Mariners could also be on the verge of selling to Russian interests, with Spartak Moscow owner Leonid Fedun having already agreed in principle to take over the club."
Makes it seem really nice that we have a bunch of local owners.
So Russian involvement in the A-League looking likely.Interesting turn of events.If they bring a steady-as-you-go attitude to things ..great! Knee jerk Abrahamovich-like reactions might not be so helpful though.....