By Todd Balym
December 10th 2009 @ 1:56am
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AFL, NRL get tough over football World Cup
A turf war is set to erupt in Australian sport with the two biggest codes unwilling to accept Football Federation Australia’s requirements to host a football World Cup.
The FFA are bidding to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups but to do so it would require exclusive access to 12 of Australia’s largest stadia for up to 10 weeks.
But both the AFL and NRL are refusing to step aside completely and claim they cannot run their competitions under the current proposals.
The AFL are refusing to relinquish their rights to Etihad Stadium, while the NRL are concerned not only at their loss of stadia around the country but the major disruption to their representative schedule and the free kick they’d deliver a rival code in the battle for fans.
NRL chief executive David Gallop will meet FFA officials on Friday but said under the current proposal it would be impossible to run a rugby league season around the World Cup’s demands.
“Some of the proposals are not going to be palatable to us and would be very costly to us,” said Gallop.
“We’re not trying to stop the World Cup bid but we are certainly concerned about the impact that it will have on our season, our fans and the financial position of our clubs.”
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said the AFL accepted that they would not have access to the 100,000-capacity MCG for up to 10 weeks if Australia won the right next year to host either of the World Cups.
But he declared Melbourne’s other major venue, Etihad Stadium, off-limits to the FFA.
World football’s governing body FIFA requires bidding nations to have 12 venues with a minimum capacity of 40,000.
The new rectangular stadium in Melbourne was initially planned as Melbourne’s second World Cup venue along with the MCG, before its capacity was capped at 31,000 and it became clear that the prospect of enlarging it was prohibitively expensive.
“In order for our season to be able to work and accommodate our stakeholders, we need to start planning and to have a season that runs concurrently with the World Cup,” Demetriou told Radio 2UE on Wednesday.
“Of course we would avoid things like finals because it doesn’t make any sense to go up against a final.
“… We would make the MCG available for 10 weeks, which is ours under our agreement, but we need Etihad Stadium to be able to conduct our season.
“If we haven’t got Etihad Stadium and the MCG, we can’t run a season.”
Demetriou and FFA CEO Ben Buckley are close friends and former AFL teammates with North Melbourne.
They also worked together at the AFL before Buckley moved to the top job at soccer’s national governing body.
But Demetriou chided the FFA for failing to keep Australia’s other football codes in the loop regarding the World Cup bidding process and said it was “disrespectful” to the AFL for them to continue promoting Etihad Stadium as a World Cup venue.
“They certainly have to improve their communication, not just with us but other people involved in and being affected by a World Cup,” he said.
“I think a World Cup is a great thing for this country (but) it’s time to get this stuff organised.
“They really need to be proactive and come up with solutions and start listening to the other codes and other people affected by this, particularly the venues, and not do all the talking.”
Gallop said he would be open to financial compensation if the NRL is to make concessions to help a rival code.
“It’s not something that’s been discussed thus far but if that was part of the discussions then we’d be interested to hear what they’ve got to say,” he said.
“It’s obviously a big shot in the arm for a competitor and we’re running a business and we have to be mindful of that.
“Clearly a soccer World Cup is going to be a big shot in the arm for their game, not only in the period that it’s on but in the years that follow.”
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(141)
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 6:45am | Report comment
One of the few credible articles which actually sets out the positions of both of the AFL and NRL.
Mr said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:09am | Report comment
Nothing new here.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:26am | Report comment
This whole thing bring us back to the point -
why are we bidding??
why is the Federal Govt backing it??
simply put – it is a bid totally dependant upon other and competing codes
it is grossly unfair to ask/demand of the AFL and NRL to do as has been asked
it is divisive
Australia – - after all, ain’t a soccer nation – -
what makes us think we can or should do this when Japan and Sth Korea shared, when Belgium and Netherlands are putting a joint bid, likewise Spain teamed with Portugal.
What is it about little man syndrome or whatever that pushes some folk in Australia on this crusade to keep proving something to someone about something – such that we’re not complete unless we host the FIFA WC??
The Federal Govt has a lot to answer for, in respect to pushing this.
And I hope the AFL and NRL stick to their guns – - because, quite simply – - they should not be placed in this position,
and it is grossly unfair for people to attack them and claim they are blocking the bid.
Grobbelaar said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:28am | Report comment
I presume that Australia is bidding because it wants to become part of the real world – to join the 21st century – not stay the same isolated, backward, miniscule, ignored, under-developed country that it is.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:37am | Report comment
whatever.
If it’s got so much going against it, then fine – plenty of people still want to come here, and we’ve sailed through this GFC quite nicely thankyou very much,
it could be worse,
we could be living in Ireland!!!!
btw – you’re doing well to jump on some form of high horse whilst using a name that brings back memories of a Southern African EPL match fixer.
Doesn’t really invoke any credibility,
do you use ‘Cronje’ on the cricket tab and ‘Marion’ on the ‘athletics’ websites?????
mahony said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:02am | Report comment
Your actual argument was “whatever”. Wow – well done Michael.
Ken said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:23am | Report comment
I’m not sure that his argument needed much more. The point of view he was arguing against wasn’t exactly a killer…Grobbelaar’s argument seemed to be that Australia is a backward, under-developed country because we don’t play the same game that is popular in many backward, under developed countries….
Corey said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:13am | Report comment
Just because we support sports that require physical presence and men with some build doesn’t make us backwards Grobbelaar. And becoming part of the real world? What is that- wars in Iraq, starving kids in Africa, silencing people in Tibet. You want to be part of the real world- two thirds live in poverty and you call the real world having a soccer world cup. No thanks, I will take being Australian over being a puncy-ball-kicking-roll-on-the-floor-holding-the-foot-that-didn’t-get-touched nation anyday of the year. Have your world cup, but the day Australians lose their ability to run a ball into a wall of defense or leap into the air to grab the ball above all the others is the day that we Aussies sadly lose our ability to be different.
Tom said | December 13th 2009 @ 4:07pm | Report comment
Australia under – developed and backward? According to the UN human development index, Australia has the second highest standard of living in the world behind Norway. If that counts as an under developed country, I would hate to see a developed country…
I really have little time for the argument that if you aren’t a soccer fan you are somehow a cretin. Many countries have indigenous sporting codes other than soccer, and Australians should be proud that we have such a code. Like it or not, AFL and the rugby codes are an integral part of our culture.
Newy Rugger said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:55am | Report comment
“Australia – – after all, ain’t a soccer nation” – nice one. neither was the USA and look what show they put on.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:33am | Report comment
btw –
another nice example of the need for a ‘cross codes’ tab.
This sits on the soccer tab but is at least equally about AFL and NRL.
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:40am | Report comment
Michael C,
I know that AFL doesn’t have an int’l flavour & hence have no world cup as such.
But I know you like cricket,, well every 4 years they have a World Cup, so does Rugby Union, Rugby League, Netball, Hockey & many more other sports with an int’l flavour.
Now what happens is that these nations that partake in these sports they can actually bid for the WC to be played in their country.
Australia has had the cricket, Netball, Rugby & Rugby League world cup in Australia & many other sports.
Now while Soccer (I call it soccer for you) also has a world cup & we are bidding for that. It’s also the biggest sporting event in the world. Now I know soccer is now very big in your household & that is sad. But there are many people who do love football ( I call it football for me) & would like to have the World cup in Australia.
It’s that simple on why we are bidding for the world cup & what we are bidding for.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:51am | Report comment
Punter –
that’s all well and good – - however,
the attitude has been bid first and sort it out later,
and rely on third parties who have a vested interest in the main in NOT being involved.
That makes it a disunified and flawed bid and very dangerous territory for a federal govt to be pushing us into.
Irrespective of all that,
the simple fact that it relies so much on both the AFL and NRL, in their primary season – - to give up too much – - is hardly their fault. It’s the flaw in the bid. Has been from day one.
However, again – - we still stand and ponder why the Melb Bubbledome is too expensive to be expanded to FIFA compliance at $150 mill,
of course, we still wait and see whether FIFA – (and Grobelaar might suggest FIFA wouldn’t, so as to squash…..) – will provide AFL and NRL an exemption,
and we still wait and see whether this ‘rectangularisation’ idea for the MCG has any legs or not (it seems it might be the ‘condition’ for the MCG to host the final – - which really just looks a way for the FFA to portray the AFL as the bad guy – - when we know that WC final stadia such as Berlin, Yokohama etc had running tracks around them).
The FFA seems to be deliberately steering too close to the icebergs of the AFL and NRL.
That just makes it all look even worse, given the Fed Govt has committed to back it. This could get ugly without some common sense.
Chris said | December 10th 2009 @ 7:56am | Report comment
It’s called soccer… mate.
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:23am | Report comment
Call it whatever you like, because we live in a democracy & we have the freedom of choice my friend.
mahony said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:04am | Report comment
Not in my household Chris – never has.
Ken said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:30am | Report comment
As per Punter, I don’t think anyone is telling you what to call it in your household. In my household football means rugby league – always has. In most households in the southern states I expect it means AFL. In yours it means soccer. In NZ it’s safe to say they are talking rugby union, in the USA gridirion etc
Don’t really see a problem, the term ‘football’ was used a long time before any of these games were invented in their current forms.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 8:15am | Report comment
I dont know why they are coming down on the NRL for, we support the bid but their has been no imput for us to read. All we have heard so far is what the AFL are wanting out of the Bid. We all realise that oval feilds are hopeless for good veiwing. So far we have heard nothing about rectangle feilds, or any new feilds.
The NRL and A-league will probably aline itself with rugby league clubs, as it is doing, same applies to rugby union. So we need plenty of stadiums for 3 codes in this country. But to accuse the NRL of anything, is a bit pre-muture.
Rugby league, rugby union and football are all played in England along side each other. Which will also be the case in Australia, cheers.
Springs said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
NRL and AFL are not part of the bid, so the AFL cannot ‘opt ouyt of the bid’. If you haven’t seen or heard the news, Gallop has been saying that what the FFA has proposed is impossible for the NRL to base a season around.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:55am | Report comment
No he didn’t he said it was impossible to play Origin over 3 weeks, thats all. If we read this morning sydney mail, we all now know what FFA are proposing for NSW. Gallop wont be making any calls about what the NRL is going to do, that will be the Commission’s job.
Gallop is just the head of the NRL, he is talking out loud about his concerns, not disrupting the bid, 2 different issues.
Springs said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
Gallop has said he will not drastically alter the SEASON to accomadate the World Cup, he has even said that the World Cup will be a major ‘kick in the arm’ for soccer’s domestic game and RL have to be careful of losing juniors to soccer.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:25pm | Report comment
Springs, rugby league has 2 types of players, big bad ugly and will hurt you badly if you look at them, and a couple of ball skilled geniuses. So how is soccer going to hurt our juniors, i have already gone through this arguement last year, different dody types for different games. The only hurt in GWS will be AFL juniors, now give the kids choice, playing rugby league with a international game, (yes small but still has one) or soccer, with its untold international game. Or AFL , total streatch of getting drapted to Perth, that sounds like punishment to me.
So yes, afl should be worried, and they are expanding into GWS,. ? I would be concerned if i was in charge.
Luke W said | December 10th 2009 @ 8:16am | Report comment
Good on the FFA for getting up the noses of the NRL and AFL. The whole point of hosting the World Cup is to leave a lasting impression for football of the host nation. What better way to do that than to shut down the opposing codes and let all sports lovers revel in the joy that is world-class football.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 8:23am | Report comment
think about it Luke W,
if you make it impossible to happen then it won’t happen.
Plain and simple.
Nothing achieved except a lasting impression of the FFA as trying to be too big for it’s boots.
Grobbelaar said | December 10th 2009 @ 8:42am | Report comment
Well said Luke
You’re the only aussie making sense here.
Absolutely no one on this sports forum has any idea about football and how big the World Cup is.
it’s laughable reading about all these other puny sports in the same breath
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:23am | Report comment
Hey Grobbalar, i know what footy is like, i was in England while the world cup was on, we have the same sort of event here in Australia every year and shuts down a city, its called schoolies.
Springs said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:18am | Report comment
Oh great, 2 billion dollars spent so lots of idiots can get drunk.
Springs said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:45am | Report comment
Well we obviously don’t deserve the world cup then.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:27am | Report comment
That’s all well and good, but where is that in the AFL and NRL charter?
Beast-A-Tron said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:23pm | Report comment
“Good on the FFA for getting up the noses of the NRL and AFL. The whole point of hosting the World Cup is to leave a lasting impression for football of the host nation. What better way to do that than to shut down the opposing codes and let all sports lovers revel in the joy that is world-class football.”
That is a fairly honest statement which I think sums up the attitude behind many association football fans. But the FFA has no muscle, so who do you think will bulldozer the AFL & NRL?
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:30pm | Report comment
Careful Beast, you aint won nothing yet, and are still a summer sport, not that their is anything wrong with that, rugby league is a summer sport in England, One day we expect to take over football over their.
Beast-A-Tron said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:26pm | Report comment
Hosting the WC I would not consider a ‘loss’, it is a good thing. But it is the manner in which we conduct ourselves that concerns – if we sell our soul in order to host it.
“and are still a summer sport”
Are you referring to association football in oz? If that is the case, why isn’t the WC being hosted in summer?
dasilva said | December 10th 2009 @ 8:17am | Report comment
FIFA are not going to do any dirty work for australia
FFA and the Federal government are going to do all the negotiation the funding etc. FIFA will just pocket the revenues
What do you think FIFA is going to do?
Come into Australia and forced AFL and NRL to give up their stadiums
Forced the Australian Government to legislate and overule the contract
Come in and compensate AFL and NRL personally for losing their legal commercial rights?
Do you think FIFA really cares whether Australia gets the World Cup or not. They are not desperate for Australia to win the World Cup. Plenty other countries can host it without our issues.
FIFA maybe powerful organisation but they have no say in these matter and don’t expect FIFA to come riding in and saving the day. All htese problems are going to be solve by FFA. Like it or not, FFA unlike FIFA aren’t exactly big fishes.
mahony said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:09am | Report comment
FIFA can deregister the FFA and exclude it from all Football competitions (and programs) – including the Olympic competition and the various AusAID programs they are partners in with the Government through the Forreign Affairs portfolio.
These are its only punative powers in a direct sense. In a broadder political sense, don’t underestimate the ability for the FIFA big-wigs to call Kevin Rudd on the phone any time they choose and share the bennefit fo their views with him in a persuasive and compelling manner – just like any large corporate, global organisation.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:19am | Report comment
“don’t underestimate the ability for the FIFA big-wigs to call Kevin Rudd on the phone any time they choose and share the bennefit fo their views with him in a persuasive and compelling manner – just like any large corporate, global organisation”.
or bully.
albatross said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Pot. Kettle. Black.
Except that Dementedriou is really playing several leagues above his actual skills.
Josh said | December 10th 2009 @ 8:29am | Report comment
To all the naysayers read and weep, the horse has long bolted:
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/rival-codes-powerless-to-halt-cup-juggernaut-20091209-kk51.html
Also, Subiaco to be scrapped entirely for new rectangle stadium in Perth:
http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/soccer/barnett-confirms-new-stadium-for-soccer-world-cup-20091209-kjkj.html
The FIFA tsunami is on its way. AFL tragics – Gird your loins!
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:31am | Report comment
pep talk for the soccer folk.
If they legislate they lose.
The Bear said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:57am | Report comment
We shall see about that. Big party with economic rewards vs no big party with no change to economy. The average punter will make their decision…and the AFL (not so much for the more reasonable NRL and Rugby) will look like absolute gooses for their stubborness to not take one for the team: team Australia.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:16am | Report comment
The NRL position is identical to the AFL in that they have rejected the FFA’s stadium plan and timetable.
Despite the headline in the AGE “AFL boss blocks World Cup bid” that is media spin, the AFL supports the bid
The AFL has agreed to the MCG being unavailable for up to 10 weeks. This is to host the World Cup, should I repeat that?
The AFL has not agreed to Etihad being available. Either a 2nd Melbourne venue is found or Melbourne remains a 1 venue city for the bid.
If the AFL had rejected the use of the MCG that maybe cause for legislation.
Redb
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Thanks Bear, glad you can see that Rugby League , and Union for that matter, are not trying to disrupt the bid. As i said, we all live in harmony in England together, and rugby league will be thanking FiFA for all our great up-grades to our game, something we cant afford.
Cheers.
Springs said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:21am | Report comment
We will pay for the stadium upgrades, not FIFA.
The Bear said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:38am | Report comment
Your very welcome. Let Cricket and AFL share grounds. And us rectangulars can play nice. Just as long as you keep the appreciative attitude when Football gets tougher on standards of seasonal grounds-keep … still even that is a win:win.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:48am | Report comment
Yes , i have written a post below Bear, hopefully it gets through, i am the Moderators worse nitemare.
But they seem to like me, No, i was saying below, you need a lasting Legacy to call home, a 100 thousand stadium in Brisbane that will be (soccer) footballs own home ground, So you wont need suncorp, you could have the new Mega beast all to yourself. 
Cheers,.
P.S,,, ask not what the government can do for you, but what you, can do for the government. Cheers, peace brother, from the bogans.
mahony said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:19am | Report comment
How? They did it for the Olympics – the then Carr Government was never more popular as I recall it?
AndyRoo said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:39am | Report comment
If they legislate they lose
I agree with this Redb. It’s going to make it tougher to organise but if it’s done without the need for legislation then everyone will be free to get on board enjoy the show and then go back to normal programming once the event is finished.
A much more positive event all round.
The QLD stadium situation will be a lot tougher for the NRL but if they come on baord fairly quickly I think that will look great for both codes (FFA and NRL)
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:34am | Report comment
FIFA can still stuff it all up by not providing host city exemptions,
that’s no fait accompli.
If FIFA don’t come to the party, then, the simple fact that we’d have BOTH the AFL and NRL (if it were only one code we were talking about, it might be workable, but, it’s two codes, about 34-36 teams come 2018-2022) having to try to cram games before,…..with 12 major venues unavailable for a month, and then being shut down for at least 2 weeks in all cities and 4 weeks in the major cities.
Again – you look at the 4 weeks of competition, and if only Bris, Melb and Syd are used come the semi’s on, then the AFL and NRL would have to be going regional (NRL esp) and to WA/SA/Tas for AFL. That could be done working around a 2 week total shut down for the pool games. The big issue really then is the 4 week exclusion leading in on the main venues – -
and that whole 4 week notion really is a crap time frame.
because article 29 of the FIFA regulations for South Africa clearly state 10 days as the minimum – for both training bases and match venues.
Has FIFA amended this going forward for future events? 4 weeks is an absolute crock.
btw – the quote
“The stadiums and the official venue-specific and team base camp training sites shal be available and free of any and all commerical activities and identifications, e.g. boards and other signage other than those of FIFA’s Commerical Affiliates, from at least 10 (ten) days prior to the first match played in a stadium or training session held at the official training sites”
Given we so often see an AFL game on one night and a Wallabies test or the like the next night at Docklands (Etihad) or up at Homebush…….4 weeks…..really!! Give them 2 weeks max. That allows 4 days to meet the 10 day requirement.
actually – one thing I wonder about – re my above scenario is about – the match venues NOT used in the semis and quarters etc – - they seem to NOT get ‘freed’ up,
as per:
“These stadiums and official training sites shall not be used for any other matches or events as from 10 (ten) days prior to and throughout the final competition…..”
does this mean, that should a venue be used in Townsville for 3 ‘pool’ games – is this venue still ‘claimed’ as a FIFA WC venue even after the Semis and Quarters begin and the T’Ville venue is no longer required??
AndyRoo said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
Given that if the MCG is not used for the round of 16 it’s only unavailable for 6 weeks rather than 8 that suggests they can use the ground for AFL/NRL once it’s no longer needed for the tournament.
The NRL aren’t yet on board with ground rationalization like the AFL only the Roosters and South’s share a ground (the SFS) on a regular basis so there are a lot of teams that won’t be affected.
Non plussed
Penrith – unaffected
Wests Tigers – unaffected still have Leichart…probably on it’s last legs by 2022 and will be getting an upgraded Cambletown
Manly – unaffected
Cronilla – unaffected
Gold Coast – unafected
Auckland – unaffected
St George – unaffected
Parramatta – unaffected
affected but compensated
Newcastle – Upgraded. Newcastle is an NRL stronghold and with a 40k stadium they could afford to offer cheaper tickets and really boost the NRL crowd average.
Townsville – same situation as Newcastle
Bulldogs – severely effected but have used Parramatta stadium in the past and have also played games in NZ before. If Homebush gets the upgrade should be happy
TBA
Souths – affected but could use the SCG
Roosters – affected but could use the SCG one of the least supported clubs
Melbourne – TBA
Brisbane – severely effected, a big chunk of the 10m compo would be going to them I suggest.
Canberra – severely effected, don’t need the upgrade. Could use Manuaka oval for a game or two but would need compo.
That doesn’t take into consideration that they could have a handful of games in Perth, Adelaide and Wellington as well which they already do.
Mr said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:32pm | Report comment
The Broncos would be able to use the Gabba, and Gold Coast at Carrera. The games would have to alternate, or midweek, between AFL and NRL. Not impossible.
AndyRoo said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:39pm | Report comment
It’s possible for the broncos to play on, they could even use skilled and would get good crowds but they would be losing money by not playing at Suncorp with all their advertising hordings displayed.
macavity said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:43pm | Report comment
the issue with the Newcastle scenerio is that the capacity goes up…. and the rent goes up. We already have the worst rent deal in NSW, and it will only get worse if they capacity goes up… presuming we are still around in 2018/2022.
Andrew said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:55pm | Report comment
I don’t think that those NRL grounds won’t be affected, they will probably be used as training grounds (with most NRL clubs welcoming millions being spent on them to bring them up to FIFA standard surfaces), which means a country carnival, and other locations like Darwin, NZ and PNG to play at. Broncos could probably used Skilled or their old stadium (ANZ it used to be called, not sure what its called now).
Given how long it is, I don’t think it’s such a bad thing for either code, especially if the govt underwrites these events.
AndyRoo said | December 10th 2009 @ 5:02pm | Report comment
Mac, hope that’s not the case especially if some of the money comes from the feds then would be abit stiff for the rent to go up
@ Andrew. The FFA have leaked they are pretty keen for the training venues to be local football clubs and even schools (assume private) because they are keen to get more top grade pitches out their and the only infrustructure required apart from a good pitch is capacity for 200 observers which most State league clubs could meet. And probably all of them with a few $$$ by 2022 or 2018
ren said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:44am | Report comment
did you read the perth stadium aticle- it’s a rehashed subiaco retaining its correct shape being built in time for the world cup on the off chance we win the bid. this is opposed to the much more preferred stadium WA that is multipurpose and recongiurable for the occasional game of soccer and rugby that has the potential to way sell out the 20000 seat upgraded ME stadium.
Compensation = $1 billion + said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:20am | Report comment
This is ridiculous.
From an article today.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-boss-andrew-demetriou-only-road-block-to-world-cup-bid/story-e6frf9ix-1225808821039
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou only road block to World Cup bid
Given the AFL background of FFA chief executive Ben Buckley and A-League boss Archie Fraser, the FFA is confident it knows the amount the league would have to forgo, and has built a contingency figure of up to $10m into its initial submission to the Federal Government.
$10 million! They have to be kidding themselves – no way AFL will agree to “$10 million” compensation – they would be selling their competition down the river!
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:25am | Report comment
The NRL Boss (David Gallop) has expressed very similar views and reservations about the World Cup and has rejected the FFA proposal.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:31am | Report comment
Redb, Gallop has only delayed the process, not disrupted the bid. We are trying to get a commission up and running, so all negotaitions will be done through the new board, in thoery, the bid is a goer from the NRL’s point of veiw, why would we want to disrupt it, we get more than we could ever afford from hosting a world cup.
Beast-A-Tron said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:30pm | Report comment
When I contrast Demetriou & Gallop I get the same position: Current proposals appear unworkable, we cannot disrupt our seasons, we need more information and more compromise.
How is that disruptive in the slightest? The onus is on FFA, it is their bid after all.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:51pm | Report comment
exactly true – the main thing seems to be, that the AFL has really long term contracts in place with the MCC/MCG and Docklands,
whereas the NRL, for them, 5 years seems a long term contract around GF venue and things like that.
The irony thus far – is the FFA has presented a ‘displacement strategy’ to the NRL but not yet to the AFL.
I’d love to see them put something on the table to the AFL……and that’s half the problem.
it’s still just too much ‘no worries’…..
KB said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Not out right .. he is still willing to accept the FFA plan with some minor adjustments and rightly so… He has not raved on like an absolute d*head…
You see we folk north of the Murray have absolute faith in Frank Lowy and his team of visionaries… Come play you are still welcome to the party
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
The NRL are in a slightly more favourable position with stadium legacy but are nonetheless not impressed with FFA’s proposals.
If you watched Fox Sports News last night Gallop’s views are similiar to the AFL who has not blocked (press spin) the bid either but is asking for more detail and a re-work of the FFA proposal.
Etihad has not even been discussed with the AFL. Note this has not been denied by Buckley or the FFA.
Demetriou could be more tactful I give you that but he is more passionate than a lawyer (all that Greek-cypriot blood)
This will be worked out with some concessions all around, the FFA know this, the AFL and NRL know it as well.
Redb
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:37pm | Report comment
On the backpage, the league commentators on there were quite welcolming of the WC bid while the AFL guy was against it.
These guys are nrmally pretty anti-football. The DT is for it.
So Redb, I think AFL appear on their Robinson Crusoe.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
Not according to David Gallop.
Your also lying that the AFL are against the bid, they are not.
If your happy to carry on with untrues be my guest it really helps the debate.
Redb
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
I never mentioned the AFL. Andy D was just defening his turf, digging in.
I was more directing the AFL media & fans.
Just remember all your thoughts on the NRL media on the AFL move to Western Sydney Redb, that was who I was directing it towards in AFL.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:09pm | Report comment
Right, read your post again.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:56pm | Report comment
the AFL guy as you put it is not ‘against it’,
he’s simply not wanting to forgoe Docklands/Etihad Stadium
he’s stressed that the AFL can work around the MCG being out of action for up to 10 weeks.
How do you or the Sydney press figure that means Demetriou is against it????
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:08pm | Report comment
Yes I did say AFL Redb & but I was talking about the media (backpage league commentators & DT) & hence meant the AFL media, but that’s OK my wife misunderstands me as well.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:09am | Report comment
Compensation, no not 10 million, thats only 5 million, rugby league gets 5 and union gets what it deserves, a big 0.
Besides, thats all our little codes are worth at the moment, 5 million bucks me good fellow, “hey”, league is not complaining, our dinosaurs are licking their lips if we dont get the commission up and running. I can just see them now, sitting back on Venavatua drinking Pena-colardar’s and earning 20%. Oh to be a dinosaur in rugby league,
Now thats the life. cheers.
Spelling is all wrong, but you get my drift.
Oh the drift-wood. Tomkins, get me another martini, Fifa just made me rich baby.
keeper11 said | December 10th 2009 @ 9:23am | Report comment
Pip and co should read todays SMH….
makes sobering reading..
AD and his AFL apoligists have missed the point ….
the WC bid is a NATIONAL bid…
includes the top echelon of government ,Fed, state and business.
it is not the old ‘littl ‘ol joke that is australian sockah’ as presented by his clueless hometown cheersquad who still exist in a 1970 timewarp where the only choice was…dinki-di white bread and ‘footy’ franks…
The bid will win or fail at FIFA/ Aust Government / FFA level…
AFL cannot change that and if Demetriou and small minded lot want to cheer for the Qatar bid…. so be it..
Ironic…i wonder if that would be deemed ‘un-australian’ of them ?.
Leave the massive logistics and networking required to host a once in a lifetime global event on the scale of ’round ball ‘ World Cup bid to the big boys who better understand these things …
As for AD and co..they should go back sandbox and play with their toys..
Isn’t there a ‘big’ NAB cup or something to organise ?
Lisa said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:18am | Report comment
Well said, the AFL’s calim to support Australia’s WC bid is a bald faced lie. Anyone who believes the AFL is kidding themselves .. these are the same muppets who drank a toast to Socceroo failure against Iran at the G, as I’m sure they also sighed massive relief when they went down to Italy in Germany. Their actions over the years have shown they will go to any lengths to not have the premier showcase of world football playing anywhere near their turf – the deep south of Australia.
It’s interesting that FIFA will look at their resistance as further reason to host the world cup here, and personally I can’t wait for the FIFA roadshow to arrive here and show the AFL how insignificant their petulance is..
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:37pm | Report comment
Hey Lisa, dont forget one thing also, the NRL footy show always gets the socceroos guys on and they have a ball with them, the rugby league followers get right behind you guys, yes you might be soft, but your up against the softest bunch of nohopers in the world, and we want you to kick their bottoms, Cheers lisa.
I would take timmy Cahil anyday over Kaka, or Ranaldo, who are they, squids, nothing but squids,. cheers.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:37am | Report comment
Keeper11 -
really, are you yourself operating at that bogun level too?
Ghost said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:01pm | Report comment
Kepper11 and Lisa – well said. 100% agreement here.
I actually like AFL but this ridiculous petulance and lack of their sense of their place in the world is making my liking rapidly decrease. I’ll find it hard to support a code into the future which selfishly stands in the way of what would be a great Australian historical event… and all over a matter of only 3 months of one single season which is around 10 years into the future.
AFL we like you being here, we have no beef with your game, but seriously back down. You’re being childish.
AndyRoo said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:32am | Report comment
Saw the telegraph today, NRL fans coming on board. New stadium for Cambletown (NRL in the winter HAL in the summer) to be one of the most watched locations in the world come 2022.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/stadium-plans-to-seal-the-deal/story-e6frexnr-1225808841638
Adding to the delight of NRL fans is the fact that Greater Western Sydney – the new AFL franchise keen to get a foothold in Sydney’s league heartland – is unlikely to consider playing at the new stadium because it will be designed as a rectangular arena.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:35am | Report comment
Hows that for insular? Lets reverse that and see how it sounds.
Herald Sun: “Adding to the delight of AFL fans is the fact that Melbourne Storm – the long time ignored NRL franchise keen to get a foothold in Melbourne’s AFL heartland – is unlikely to consider playing at the new stadium because it will be designed as an oval arena. (haha) “
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
Hey redb, we did reverse that only this week, remember Aderlaide?? Mate, you guys rubbed that in for all it was worth, and not worth much for the rectangle codes. But hey, yeah, its ok to reverse us having a win.
So here is a reversed headline, Perth government scraps oval field subiaco plans in favour of a rectangular feild. ?
Common sense prevailed. ?
ren said | December 10th 2009 @ 5:39pm | Report comment
read the article first oikee- its a progressive rebuild of subiaco OVAL, maintaining the OVAL shape required for australian football
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Yes Andyroo, some positive comments there too. It’s looking good.
Springs said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:25am | Report comment
Wow. I’m all for the bid now. I mean, geez, ANZ is going to get a roof. But not just any roof, a transparent roof! Like as if there is no roof there at all!
What a waste of money, 150m, might as well upgrade the showgrounds while we’re at it.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:34pm | Report comment
I am sending your post straight to Franky, Springs, welcome aboard.
Arh, another convertee. Mate, i am going to bask under that new roof, they will have to chase me outta that stadium. 
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:47pm | Report comment
teehee –
the MElb Major Event’s fellow who observed about this – — “Yes, but it’s still where it is,…17Km from the city centre.”
But – it does look good, and it’ll be all code friendly and probably is what’s need because it desperately needs something……some warmth…..it reminds me too much of the old VFL Park that was just ‘cold’.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:54pm | Report comment
Michael C, it was the biggest white elephant ever built, you know it, i know it, but having said that, perfect for future AFL, your home in Sydney.
Gift from the rugby league community. cheers.
Ken said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:11pm | Report comment
Actually the stadium is smack-bang in the geographic and demographic centre of the Sydney metro area, it’s also well serviced by transport. I’ve personally exited the area with 80000+ people on a number of occasions and managed to exit quickly and efficiently whether by car, bus or train. On the other hand I’ve exited Moore Park (SCG & SFS) with crowds half that number and still been sitting in the carpark an hour later. I would concede though that for people visiting from outside the city staying in the CBD for an event it’s not ideal, otherwise it’s fine.
The biggest problem with that stadium is not it’s location but it’s ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ design. It can host anything competently but even full doesn’t ever generate the ‘buzz’ that the SFS or suncorp (or from reputation, the MCG) manage to get.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:41pm | Report comment
Ken, the only question i would be asking you, why are you sitting in the carpark my good man.? Global warming? Get the bus my goodly fellow, all of brisbane does when they decend on Sunny corp, except me, i live 100 miles away, so i drive,
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
Did you read the fans comments, i apoligise to all you squids out there, from us bogans.
Hey, what about the guy complaining about the roads and hospitals, i asked him was he ill, and was his scooter out of juice. 
Mate, this is the world cup, they can build all that stuff after 2022. 
Mr said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
A rectangle stadium in the South West, similar to the mooted Oasis proposal a decade ago, and either a new rectangle site in Blacktown or a Parramatta upgrade would essentially complete the Sydney basin’s stadia needs.
Adding retractable seating to the ends of Homebush and a roof would easily cement Homebush as the country’s most visible & advance stadium. The Olympics with the wings, RWC final without the wings, the win over Uruguay in 2005 and a WC final with a roof. Outstanding.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 10:50am | Report comment
that’s a pretty ordinary bit of DT NRL friendly journalism,
why bother mentioning the AFL at all??
and then quoting this droober Elias, “I’m sure the NRL will be more accommodating to the World Cup bid than the AFL.”,
that’s a bit rich coming from the code that back in October was complaining of the WC bid as unworkable and club chiefs saying if the NRL backed it there’d be a revolt!!!!
(btw – I acknowledge the ordinary piece by Mike Sheehan in the H-S the other day).
anyway – this great story to provide another 40K plus stadium……for a code that struggles to fill a 20K venue – and a voice of reason from Penrith chief executive Mick Leary:
“We would all love a new stadium but having said that, it is another thing to fill it,” Leary said
Football said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:01am | Report comment
The DT saw the results of their online poll & realised that Australians want a WC in Australia, so the DT & by default the NRL are changeing their tune & backing the WC.
This leaves AFL out looking like the only block to the bid.
I did mention yesterday what PR effect this will have on the AFL in Sydney.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:31am | Report comment
Yes, good call Football, and you were right. But to be honest, the NRL was never going to block any bid,.Why would they.
Most of western Sydney is full of footballers, (soccer) and any help the NRL can get out west, they would be stupid to block any new stadium. We all were just waiting for a announcement. Which was made today. Now, if you read the NRL posts today online, Sydney, you would notice that the bogans, as you call us, are very happy indeed.
Gweeds said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:36am | Report comment
I reckon that Rugby League should welcome the bid. They could jointly push for decent Rectangular stadiums to be built in Adelaide, Perth, Canberra etc. and getting infrastructure that suits their codes built for virtually nothing. Plus maybe upgrade some existing rectangular stadia.
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 11:43am | Report comment
Gweebs, i want to go 1 further, i want a 100 thousand stadium in Brisbane, built by our world class stadium builders who are world renouned, and leave a lasting legacy for Soccer, footy ball. You could call it the home of soccer, and play all future grand finals their, along with hosting other world class events, like future Olmypics, and Rugby tests, and anything else, but imagine a purpose built stadium that all football fans could actually call home. ??? Think of the future.
Of couse rugby league will play origin their, but our home is already Suncorp, we will always call it footballs grand home.
Master piece. Call it what you like, its your home.
Send this post straight to Franky Lowry, or whatever his name is, before he carks it,, cheers.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
And the winner of the most hysterical piece of writing 2009 goes to Chief AFL writer of the Melbourne Herald Sun
- Mike Sheahan. For this lovely contribution
“As crazy as the streets of this city have become in recent years, imagine the mayhem without football to soothe tempers on a weekly basis. Many of us believe the outpouring of emotion at football grounds each week does wonders for the mental health of so many residents in this state. Bring the World Cup here, by all means, but not at any cost.
Come on, Andrew, time to do what you do best: dig in, defend the cause, roll out that confident, some say belligerent, attitude that says to hell with the PR and the politics. We’re fighting for a cause, a way of life, here.”
Is it my imagination or is it true that the residents in this fair city seem to cope quite well during the AFL off-season.
I can’t see how a few weeks without AFL will turn them into flesh-eating zombies, but I could be wrong and Mike could be right
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:45pm | Report comment
Art,
C’mon you and I know both know the rest of the year is filled with Spring Racing Carnival, cricket, motor racing, tennis, boating, etc
I dont think anyone cares too much for 4 weeks whilst the World Cup is on, but its bloody pointless in the lead up when the stadiums that are normally filled with AFL footy fans are vacant due to preparations.
Speak for yourself.
Redb
p.s. re Sheahan – pep talk for AFL fans.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
redb – are you one of those people Mike is worried about.
Are you going to turn into a flesh eating zombie for a few weeks
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:43pm | Report comment
only when Carlton supporters are around
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:42pm | Report comment
turn into??
‘Zombietown’ is inspired by the Redb family!!!
(isn’t it set somewhere on Mount Alexander road not far from the old BuildersArms……)
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:03pm | Report comment
Windy Hill was a graveyard for many teams Michael – they are many zombies there that will keep redb company
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:15pm | Report comment
supporting North Melbourne, I know all about Windy Hill being a graveyard for visiting teams….
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:47pm | Report comment
Keep the masses stupid & you can control them.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
as I said above “(btw – I acknowledge the ordinary piece by Mike Sheehan in the H-S the other day).”
there’s crap journalism all around this issue.
I still reckon about the best piece was yesterday looking at the Demetriou-Buckley friendship on a collision course. Fair, balanced……shocked me really!!
Tifosi said | December 10th 2009 @ 12:48pm | Report comment
Art , no surprise from sheehan
Did you forget that fantastic interview with Ben Buckley?
However his point would have been more sound if teams actually played at their home grounds rather than Etihad. Thats when the sport meant something more.
Its the reason why the EPL still has a lot of meaning to the fans. Imagine if you told every London club they had to play at Wembley. They would say that would be stupid.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
Mike Sheahan interview with Ben Buckley – 2006
Mike Sheahan – “Tell me three things you know about Sepp Blatter?”
Ben Buckley – “He is the EL Presidente of FIFA, He lives in Switzerland, He likes his tea black with one teaspoon of sugar *
Mike Sheahan “Do you know who Arnie is?”
Ben Buckley – ” Yes – he is Robbie Slaters’ best friend”
OK,OK – I took some liberty with the answers – but the moronic line of questionning is all Sheahan’s
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
Becuase EPL fans are so much better arent they? Soccer is so much better than all of the sports in the world, hey its the world game right
Kevin Muscat was only telling listeners on SEN last night that soccer has 200 billions fans in the world compared to Aussie Rules 1-2 million in Australia.
True story.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:08pm | Report comment
what, the radio one where Buckley didn’t answer anything straight and weasled his way through….such that now they (the FFA) are ensuring he doesn’t talk to anyone on Melbourne radio……..
…..when you start becoming deliberately evasive it implies you’re hiding something!!!
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:18pm | Report comment
No Michael, the one from 2006. I have posted some of the transcript but frustratingly its awaiting moderation.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
ah, on that front…..care factor…..zilch.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:46pm | Report comment
Ok – tifo and everybody else here is the part of Sheahan’s hilarious interview with Buckley.
I don’t want to post all of it as it too long but it is a fantastic example of what Melburnians have to put up with
CODE BREAKER
MIKE SHEAHAN
Herald-Sun
2 December 2006
In his first interview since accepting Australian soccer’s top job, Buckley explains why he’s crossed to the other side.
BEN Buckley hasn’t just changed jobs. He has defected. Crossed enemy lines. Leaving Australian football is one thing, bobbing up as the supremo of soccer, the “new” football, is something entirely different.
Sporting treachery at the very least, some of us might say.
He has been entrenched in football Australian style — his father Brian played in the VFL with Footscray — and he played eight seasons at North Melbourne at AFL level.
How could you?
Unique opportunity. The time is right for me personally and professionally. In terms of sports administration in this country, it is a unique role — strong domestic profile, incredible amount of international opportunity as well. Right opportunity at the right time for me.
Do you have no shame? You grew up in a football family, in a football state, and you’ve just walked away?
I have a pretty diverse background. I’ve lived in Melbourne, country Victoria, Tasmania, I’ve spent time overseas. The spiritual home is Melbourne, but I think I have a fairly global perspective.
Ten minutes into the press conference announcing your appointment, you’re publicly referring to soccer as football. Do you give your heart away that quickly?
That’s quite amusing because when I mentioned the word “football” in the soccer context publicly, I got all these text messages from all my old footy mates saying all sorts of unprintable things. You have to respect that globally what we knew as soccer is known as football. People in Australia switch between the two terms and don’t get hung up on one or the other any more.
Is this what $1.2 million a year can do to a man, is it; buy his soul?
I’m not going to comment on numbers, but life’s not all about financial rewards. This opportunity is much more about the professional and personal than it is about financial rewards.
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:53pm | Report comment
Do you think they miss him? He seems very switched on especially to some very idiotic questioning
Punter said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:54pm | Report comment
Unbelieveable, why am I being moderated?
The Bear said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:48pm | Report comment
Don’t stress … this thread has proabbly run it’s course anyway. Chin up. ; )
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:53pm | Report comment
Buckley has an evil master showing him the dark side now (incl tax avoidance tips)
There is time Ben run towards the light.
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:25pm | Report comment
mate – relevance to the current topic?? zero.
note though – that interview was done with a particular reading audience in mind. THey were the sorts of questions that might be of interest (banal or not) to members of the target audience,
not sure why you’re complaining about it – - I’m sure you got some serious soccer people running serious soccer interviews with Buckley too.
NO brainer really.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
michael – agreed relevance to current topic minimal
but, I think the audience they had in mind was the potential flesh eating zombie audience
Luke W said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:35pm | Report comment
I would be very interested to see where public support would go if it ultimately came down to the AFL vs the WC.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 1:54pm | Report comment
How brave.
It’s AFL/NRL competitions v World Cup preparation time.
Eamonn said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/etihad-boss-open-to-world-cup-games-20091210-klmn.html
A day after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou declared the stadium would be off-limits to a successful Australian World Cup bid in either 2018 or 2022, Collins was confident a deal could be brokered.
“We’re a venue for hire, we’re always interested in whatever is going on,” Collins said.
So maybe some Roarers need to take that cold shower. AFL looking sillier by the minute..or rather a small number of AFL Officials and a few diehard fans on here.
See it’s all good. Australians can have a World Cup, AFL season and NRL season. Now what’s the problem?
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:13pm | Report comment
Collins knows nothing about the WC – He just saw the dollar bills shining in his face
“You can do anything if you want to – perhaps the AFL might become mid-week and World Cup (games) become weekend, who knows?,” he said
Hialrious – Not in the same stadium it won’t, Ian.
and who is he to think up the WC fixture list
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:28pm | Report comment
Correct.
If that was possible AFL games would be possbile in the leadup 4-6 week period. What an idiot.
Redb said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:16pm | Report comment
Yes Eamonn,
So Collins changing his tune does not detract from the point about venue availability that has been made from the AFL perspective and just to show how Collins is right up to speed on the debate I leave you with this excerpt from the article:
“Collins is also confident an AFL season and a World Cup can run side-by-side.
“You can do anything if you want to – perhaps the AFL might become mid-week and World Cup (games) become weekend, who knows?,” he said”‘
AFL games mid week WC on the weekend eh Collo.
Idiot.
Redb
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:40pm | Report comment
how so looking sillier??
Collo stated it’s business as usual (which means, AFL has the exclusive lease for 25 years) and it’s down to the codes to sort it out.
The Docklands arrangement, rather like at the MCG – sees the AFL contracted to certain minimums of matches, and attendees, and there are ‘bonuses’ for exceeding certain criteria.
If the AFL and FFA were to reach agreement and the AFL vacated – then the AFL is still liable for certain targets – all Collo cares about is his bottom line (as I’ve said from the start – he does no one any favours…..look back in my posts – Collo is predictable, he is a ‘bought man’, he works for his employer……admirable really).
As Art points out though – - he (Collo) know’s nothing about the World Cup…….but, that’s have the issue …… most people here know nothing and that seems to include the FFA who should be providing some real insight but keep failing.
So, it’s that same situation – - he’s open to it, so long as his stadium doesn’t lose money. It’s purely a business arrangement. I think people in Sydney don’t seem to understand people can do this…..but, same thing applies with Mike Fitzpatrick’s business interest in Homebush stadium,…..and heck, same mentality allows Ben Buckley to work for the FFA.
The Bear said | December 10th 2009 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
All of a sudden Etihad are now open for business? Did they not hear what AD had said??
Good larf, one and all. I reckon the general public would totally support the WC here, with very little compassion for the AFL, especially. They would see it as “Football’s” turn. They would be right given the acrimony stemming from Victoria over the last few decades.
KB said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
Andrew Demetriou? Thank God Frank Lowy hired the right man in Ben Buckley … Mr.. Cooool… We could have easily ended up with AD head of the WC bid … How lucky we are..
Midfielder said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:19pm | Report comment
I got an email from Ben Buckley copied below… I assume a lot of people got the same email…
Hi
I wanted to write to let you know that our bid for the 2018-2022 FIFA World Cup is well and truly on track.
Recent media comments which suggest otherwise come off the back of a very successful week in Cape Town last week in which we had many valuable opportunities to promote the bid to the FIFA Executive Committee who have provided us with great feedback. We also launched a new book and film narrated by Nicole Kidman, which were very well received.
While it is not constructive to go into detail about the media comments from other sporting codes, I would just note that much of the commentary is inaccurate particularly around consulting with the other sports, briefing them on the options, and informing them of the work being undertaken by our infrastructure consortium. None of the options involve “shutting down” the season of another code or having a venue unavailable for the entire season.
We are fortunate to have the backing of all governments for our bid (which was reaffirmed by the Council of Australian Governments on Monday), we are on track with the timelines we need to meet, and we’ve received very encouraging feedback on our bid from around the world. Our next timeline is tomorrow (11 December) when we must submit a formal ‘Bidding Agreement’ . This is an undertaking that we will submit a technically compliant bid proposal in May 2010. The Bidding Agreement is not the formal bid proposal.
We will continue to work with all governments and all sporting codes to make sure we can put the best possible bid forward on behalf of Australia. Ultimately, all sports will benefit from a successful bid as many of our sporting facilities suit more than one sport.
Your support for the bid is appreciated. I would encourage you to invite your family and friends to join the bid at http://www.australia2018-2022.com.au so we can show FIFA and others the level of strong and passionate support for the world game in Australia.
Cheers
Ben Buckley
KB said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:28pm | Report comment
Mid,
I got my email today as well…. and replied how happy I was we chose the right man in him … As we could have easily ended up with his mate AD…
Midfielder said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
KB
I think the apprentice is schooling the master …
BTW mate a little present for you … and for those need to ask no answer will do, but those than understand no answer required… enjoy … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FDYZdPfDN0&feature=player_embedded
oikee said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:14pm | Report comment
Lovely footwork middy, now lets conbine that with the best on show NRL, add some hand work to the equassion. cheers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_slM5Hmsp6g
Midfielder said | December 10th 2009 @ 6:39pm | Report comment
Oikee
Benji .. what a player IMO the best footwork of any RL player I have ever seen… equal to the Ellar’s..
Would have made a great football player … he keeps getting hurt those big brutes up at Brisbane keep crunching him..
As for CR clip he was voted 2008 player of the year… it is a big award in football the best male player out of about 220 million…
But Benji is something very special … I wish he had played in the 5 yard rule days his spedd off the mark and the ability to slow to almost a stop and then push off is great to watch … reminds me a lot of Fulton …
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
Isn’t that nice,
he’s careful with his wording – - that rectangularisation option for the MCG technically is not a ‘all season shut down’…..but, effectivley, if it were opted for (and don’t forget, they’ve done a bit of planning on this option, costed it etc……surely as good at least as the planning they’ve done that apparently didn’t include contacting Grocon about extending the bubbledome!!!!) – that MCG option involved about 4 months out of AFL hands…..so, April, May, June, July…..which would leave August plus finals,……..
…so, technically, no option put forward for an enitre season shut down…..no….just 83% of the season!!!!
Lazza said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:44pm | Report comment
It should of been done when all that money was spent on upgrading the MCG. It could of been a multi-purpose stadium like the one being planned in Sydney where it’s easy to reconfigure to a rectangle, oval or whatever you need. Hardly anyone outside a few Commonwealth countries even knows it exists.
As usual, lack of foresight from the Vics and now Sydney will get all the big matches.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:02pm | Report comment
Lazza – the plan is to use both the MCG and another venue in Melbourne. Hopefully a 50k bubbledome.
I personally do not want matches staged at Etihad.
The money will be spent on the new stadium not the MCG.
There are lots of big matches in the WC Lazza – Sydney won’t get all of them
Michael C said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:06pm | Report comment
mate
really…..the MCC paid for it remember,
if the square pegs or govt wanted in, they may have been welcome…..but, only the AFL was able to inspire a business model requiring $500 million of non-Govt funding.
Art Sapphire said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:48pm | Report comment
Thanks Midfielder – you have now made my posting of the hilarious Sheahan/Buckley interview utterly relevant
Midfielder said | December 10th 2009 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
Four new or upgraded stadiums in NSW and one in the ACT WOW great news.
Wee Willy Winky said | December 10th 2009 @ 4:47pm | Report comment
i do wonder what the AFL and NRL think behind closed doors. I generally notice a lot of people speak out about a hatred of football, so there must be an element of fear about football future getting into the traditional AFL and NRL territories. I really can see the problem I watch league and football and love them both. Its great to have the A-League in the summer months.
Sam said | December 10th 2009 @ 5:31pm | Report comment
I can’t see the government and FFA not getting around the problems of the bid. It has to be expected that FIFA are going to demand a few sacrifices in order for a country to stage the biggest sporting event in the world. The federal and state governments are going to be falling over themselves to make this happen. I think the NRL will come on board because they realise that all the money spend on upgrading grounds and facilities is going to benefit them in the long term more than anyone else. All that infrastructure will be great for the NRL, and it’s absurd to think the FIFA World Cup being here will kill any of the other football codes. I think the Victorian government will be furious if the AFL’s saber rattling causes Melbourne to miss out on the more significant matches, the New South Welshman must be smiling watching Demetriou rave on – it just means any successful bid is more and more likely to revolve around Sydney. A new stadium would go down well in Sydney as well. I think half of this talk is all about getting there sports on the back pages in the off season.
Last Minute Hero said | December 11th 2009 @ 11:27am | Report comment
Am I the only one who’s noticed that everyone (or at least, most people) seems to be talking as if:
1)Australia’s already won the bid, and
2) the World Cup is next year, not in 2018/2022.
Or to put it another way, there seems to be much stressing out over a hypothetical event either 8.5 or 12.5 years into the future. I think all the major players have the necessary skills to find a solution acceptable to all parties, with plenty of time to spare.
My advice to all the stressheads: find a dealer, smoke some weed and chill the **** out.
BTW, Sam, loved your point about the talk being about trying to get off-season publicity for the codes. There is no way that AD genuinely believes that Buckley, with his AFL background, intends to shut the AFL down for a season.
Michael C said | December 11th 2009 @ 11:50am | Report comment
8.5 years away isn’t that long though,
look at the AFL, with the next few years mapped out, GC17 and GWS18 entering in 1 year off set 3 year staged programmes, that’s a 4 year period that concludes around 2012…..but, we all know that the AFL is working strategically ahead of that…..runs into 2018, and I really don’t think that AFL want’s such a major hiccup that soon.
Granted – no bookie in their right mind should back Aust/Sth Hemisphere for 2018…….surely??
btw –
I reckon AD might’ve shared you view re Ben Buckley – - but, I suspect that Ben Buckley might’ve been overruled, and that has had an impact at AFL House and now it’s gloves off so to speak. It doesn’t really make sense otherwise.
At anyrate in Melbourne, we simply need Docklands and State Govt and FFA to agree on a way to expand the Bubbledome and compensate Docklands fairly and the AFL need never come into it. It just takes a little bit of ‘political will’.
Last Minute Hero said | December 11th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
One can’t help but think that there would be much less of a problem if Melbourne’s nine AFL teams had more than two venues capable of hosting their home games. But that’s another issue, and even though I’m not an AFL fan, it makes me sad.
Michael C said | December 11th 2009 @ 2:02pm | Report comment
agreed whole heartedly, but, correct, it’s another issue and that was a pretty complex one too.
Redb said | December 12th 2009 @ 10:53pm | Report comment
Another perspective.
http://barklystend.blogspot.com/
AndyRoo said | December 13th 2009 @ 9:55am | Report comment
We allready know Pip’s perspective