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In a major backflip, outspoken Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer has thrown his full support behind Football Federation Australia (FFA)’s judicial process – barely a week after threatening legal action.
Just days before United’s appeal against midfielder Steve Pantelidis’ two match ban would resume at Sydney, the FFA released a statement in which Palmer expressed his “full confidence and satisfaction in the disciplinary committee of the Football Federation of Australia”.
It was a surprise about-face after Palmer had threatened challenging the legality of the FFA’s A-League system in the Supreme Court following Pantelidis’ ban for violent conduct.
United’s appeal against the suspension was initially heard before an independent disciplinary committee at Sydney last week before being adjourned until Thursday.
Palmer – currently suing Queensland premier Anna Bligh for defamation – had initially been upset at the A-League’s judicial process, claiming the disciplinary committee had a “vested interest” to maintain the two-match ban.
But in the FFA statement issued Tuesday night, Palmer said: “The FFA inquiry procedure to grant all players a hearing before imposing any sanctions following a review of games by the match review committee was a greatly improved system and fair to all players.
“I am impressed by the independence and impartiality of the FFA disciplinary committee and the integrity of the employees of the FFA that deal with disciplinary procedures.
“The fact that the FFA and its officers have taken such a keen interest in this matter demonstrates that they have the overall interest of the players and the game at heart.
“The Australian football community can be well satisfied that the disciplinary committee will only cite players set punishments that are appropriate after a hearing which allows for a proper defence by any aggrieved player.”
Pantelidis had been allowed to play while the appeal was adjourned, chiming into ladder leader Gold Coast’s 2-0 last round victory at Adelaide which maintained their unbeaten start to their maiden season.
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