Another day, another further stride into the mire for Australian football, thanks to rogue Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer.
Now the game has a new body, ‘Football Australia’, led by Palmer to either remove Football Federation Australia or campaign against the governing body.
It’s hard to tell.
‘Football Australia’ has a name, conveniently similar to the Football Federation Australia’s, a logo and even a slogan – “We Kick Harder”.
Yes, you read that right, “We Kick Harder”.
At that point, I was sure this was a joke, until Palmer revealed Archie Fraser, the former chief of the A-League, as the inaugural CEO of his new body.
Now we know why Fraser, who we thought was an in the know observer, was so fervently backing Palmer and raising the prospect of a potential breakaway league.
Yet from their first day of existence there were huge contradictions coming from ‘Football Australia’, Palmer and Fraser. While initial statements suggested the aim of the newly found body was to replace Football Federation Australia, in keeping with the breakaway insinuations, in later media briefings they were quick to distance themselves from leading a breakaway league separate of the current governing body.
“Secondary competitions are difficult, there are a whole range of things that would have to be sanctioned so that’s not really what we’re about today,” Fraser said to the press, seemingly forgetting his comments from earlier in the week suggesting a breakaway led by club owners was a possibility.
“I would certainly extend my hand to the senior executives and the chairman of the FFA to actually embrace this and get involved.”
So was the easing of the threats as the remarkable day went on in response to the lukewarm response they received from other clubs? Perth Glory owner Tony Sage, who has been a vocal critic of Football Federation Australia, quickly distanced himself from the row. And there was little to no response from Nathan Tinkler’s Newcastle Jets, who must surely be looking to his Wayne Bennett-led NRL club as a welcome distraction from the goings-on with his round-ball club.
If a breakaway league or attempt to replace Football Federation Australia is the goal, then it needs the support of the clubs, so the ball is well and truly in their court. But hopefully we can take from Sage and Tinkler’s silence on ‘Football Australia’ and the other clubs’ unwillingness to engage in this debate as a sign that they are disinterested knowing the irrevocable damage it would cause; that rather than Palmer representing the masses he is leading the minority.
As the clubs have hopefully realised, Palmer isn’t the man to unite behind. Yes, Football Federation Australia has its flaws and needs to reform, but Palmer’s handling of this matter, Gold Coast United and even his other businesses (why has he been involved in 68 court cases?) shows that he is not the right person to led this change.
The clubs should also take note of the consequences of a breakaway. The Asian Football Confederation and by extension FIFA will only recognise Football Federation Australia as the official affiliated member association representing Australian football, for clubs and country.
If they and other Palmer supporters, who remarkably seem to think the code can survive all this, want to see the impact of a rival league, take a look at Indonesia, where the game is in a mess following the creation of a separate, rebel league.
So what on earth is the point of ‘Football Australia’, then? If the intention is work within the current frameworks of the governing body, what role does it play? To “monitor and ensure good governance”, as Palmer described, as an independent football body with some divine right to cast judgment on the government body? So in other words a think tank made up of disgruntled employees?
So are they the right people to provide a fair and balanced watchdog over the governing body? Really?
It’s hard to tell what’s going on in all this. Who would have believed it would have gone this far? On the one hand you could come to the conclusion that these are mere maneuverings as Clive Palmer and Football Federation Australia get set for a court battle over the revocation of Gold Coast United’s licence.
This is perhaps Palmer, with more money than sense, willing to deflect blame and portray his club as the innocent victims of an incompetent governing body by any means necessary.
This is likely a group of disgruntled Football Federation Australia victims eager to fight back, that have the means and desire to create their own shop, grouped together yet unsure of how to utilise this new found power.
Yesterday’s events stunk of a shambolic series of events with the perpetrators not sure where it would all lead.
If we can take anything from the events of yesterday it’s that Palmer and Fraser and any of the other brains of the ‘Football Australia’ operation don’t know what they stand for and where they are going.
Their comments, given their track records, represent the height of hypocrisy – no better than the governing body they are taking up are against. So how can they justify themselves as the saviours of the game – the good against the bad?
The sad thing is by polarising this saga and forcing Football Federation Australia to take up an even more aggressive stance, they are perhaps precluding the reforms of the game this new body is calling for. These actions have further divided a game beset by long-standing divisions.
Perhaps that’s their intention – divide and conquer.
Australian football is well and truly in the mire.
Remember the actual football? There is a final series around the corner, if you didn’t realise.
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
Hi Adrian - all I'll say is that the Herald Sun's back page yesterday (Friday) didn't surprise. "SOCCER IN CRISIS" (apparently), all because one club owner (now former owner, presumably) is ticked off with the governing body of the sport. I'd hardly call that an entire sport "IN CRISIS" (complete with capital letters). It is highly unlikely the players would sign for any rebel competition. It is highly unlikely that FIFA or the AFC would recognise such a competition. It is highly unlikely that the fans would care much for it either. But above all it is sad to see the sport given such bad press when there is so much more to love about it. I saw Palmer's SBS "World Game" interview a week or so ago. Did he raise some valid concerns with the FFA and how it has dealt with club ownership? Yes. Has it subsequently been handled in the best manner by Palmer? No. Let's enjoy the A-League play-offs and be done with it...!
DS
Guest
Joe, what exactly do you mean by "these Lowy types" and "Lowy's ilk"?
Bearfax
Guest
Sick to death of these super rich egos like Palmer who want their substantial cake and to eat the lot. I'm happy if they want to invest their money into sport, instead of unproductive excesses, but the caveat is that they let the experts handle the workings of sports administration. Seems like they feel that because they've bought into a public entertainment that they can play with it like their own possession, like the little boy in the sand pit who grumps when he doesnt get his own way and takes his toys home. Grow up Mr Palmer and let the public enjoy the sport without your interference and temper tantrums please.
Kasey
Guest
Her Honour says No #68and1 is now trending;)
Griffo
Roar Guru
Seems everyone is liking young Tom's efforts: From Twitter - Elia Santoro @Elia_Santoro Good man your priorities r right. THE GAME RT @Tschafer9: Waiting for her Honour to come back, I have football tonight!! Going to be late!! Bonita Mersiades Bonita Mersiades @bonitamersiades @Elia_Santoro @Tschafer9 Everyone loves young Tom! Elia Santoro Elia Santoro @Elia_Santoro @bonitamersiades @Tschafer9 Bless him 4 being there. Doing a great job. Hope he gets recognition 4!this. His missing his game.Gotta luv him Ray Gatt Ray Gatt @Gatty54 @bonitamersiades @Elia_Santoro @Tschafer9 you two are probably saying that because you think he looks cute!!
Kasey
Guest
Me: sorry to be blunt, but are you talking to them re: employment? Bonnie: Hypothetical question. I have not been approached. which leaves open the avenue of her approaching them of course;)
Kasey
Guest
Philip Micallef @MicallefPhilip @lesmurraySBS if big clive loses he'll set up his own judicial system, Les Les replied with: No doubt;)
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
You can bet Bonita Mersiades & Jesse Fink will be in the mix. Jesse did write a scathing article about Clive, but Archie Fraser admitted he and Clive have had many disagreements in the past and don't even see eye-to-eye on the new entity. So, maybe, Jesse Finnk being the Media Officer? Although if FFA-bashing is the main Selection Criterion for the Media Officer ... we've got quite a few Roar experts who are highly qualified!
Kasey
Guest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS-0Az7dgRY
Kasey
Guest
I just tweeted Bonnie to ask if there is any truth to the rumour she is taking up a posn w/ FA, she replied: "not a rumour I've heard" which doesn't answer the question, dare I ask directly? ;)
Kasey
Guest
3 tweets stand out for me: 1. Her honour cracks joke about Soccer needing to now be called Football #aleague 2. GCU claims statements to the press can be withdrawn and capable of remedy re Clive's statements 2a. Judge grilling GCU counsel over Clive's comments. Her honour does not believe the breaches are capable of remedy it seems. 3. FFA: at no stage in GCU's submissions do they mention future cooperation, but instead set up rebel federation and continue to slander @Tschafer9 is a legend:) you are right Griffo:)
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
For an owner who didn't give a sh*t about the GCU youth he attended training sessions---deck himself out with GCU merchandise and attend home games, this man has a lot on his plate. OK, he didn't give out contracts cheaply, but the policy was clear. A youth policy, was employed for the season with 4 promising kids signed on long term deals with more to come and the last few games we were looking very good. The air of expectation was finally coming back to GCU, under Mike Mulvey (new coach). Palmer's style was always keeping the FFA guessing, until he could get them to help contribute with some financial support. We have seen him open the gates for free admission on 2 occasions and the fact is he felt he was being taken for granted by the FFA. The problem is he pushed a bit too hard in the end, and the FFA jumped the gun. If Clive really wanted to end the association with GCU he would have just said thanks for nothing FFA and turned out the light, but I reckon he didn't expect FL to bite back the way he did----now CP's back is up and that's why we are where we are now with all parties. But I do believe he cared about our kids and know it's all too late..
Griffo
Roar Guru
Reading this account now....Tschafer9 a legend! So far, not so good for Palmer...
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
That's what Ben said and you believe it don't you----then if no GCU under Palmer is Ben going to back GCU next year until they find a new owner? Don't hold your breath. Ben Buckley is a liar I wouldn't take too much credence of what he says he told Fury he would back them and look what happen in their case.
Axelv
Guest
This twitter account is in the court room and is updating what is happening. http://twitter.com/#!/Tschafer9 Clive is not an innocent little Angel ;)
dasilva
Guest
First press release for AFFOF http://dl.dropbox.com/u/65058666/AFFOF%20Press%20Release%201.pdf MELBOURNE, VIC, MARCH 2, 2012: In response to recent uncertainties regarding the governance, structure, and participation in Australian football (soccer), it is is hereby announced that the Australian Football Federation of Football (AFFoF) declares its creation. Philanthropist Mr Criston Haeby has taken the role of chairperson of the AFFoF and has issued the following statement regarding the formation of the new body: "It is in response to the ongoing rancor between the FFA and the newlyestablished Football Australia that the Australian Football Federation of Football has been created. It is clear that grievances exist within the footballing community, and the many stakeholders in the game who are nonetheless outside the official structures of both organisations feel the need for a viable 'third way'. Some of the immediate goals of the AFFoF include to shuffle papers, to hold press conferences, to seek opinions reflecting the opinions of the AFFoF, to lobby the government for finance, and to lobby the FFA and Clive Palmer's Football Australia for a better outcome in achieving better outcomes for all Australians seeking better outcomes for football in Australia. The AFFoF in particular will focus on ensuring Clive Palmer's Football Australia is held to account and transparency in its dealings with the FFA over disputes regarding the FFA's accountability and transparency. Central to the AFFoF's immediate tasklist is to lobby for and/or institute a full public investigation and hearing into the incidents in Tahiti in 2000 involving former Australian national team players, with findings to be published. Other immediate issues on the agenda include: • To lobby for or institute Australia continuing to bid for World Cups, and more of them. In the event that the official World Cup is not awarded to Australia, to institute the Australian World Cup to be held every two years with teams initially by invitation and from the pool of teams unable or unwilling to participate in the official FIFA World Cup. Nonetheless the Australian World Cup is to be recognised as an official FIFA tournament by 2023. • A full review of the Laws of the Game, with a view to bringing the game into the expectations of the viewing public of the 21st century. Such innovations to be considered and if necessary lobbied include five minute power-plays (with no red cards and no offside rulings); increased points for each goal scored, to in turn increase focus on scoring; a closed transfer system tying players to clubs for longer periods (and in due course, with players signing for clubs for life) to improve brand loyalty amongst viewers; elimination of draws by the implementation of a multiball system. • A call for full transparency on catering agreements at A-League stadia, with a particular focus on cevapi-related catering and returning Coopers Stout to Hindmarsh Stadium THE AFFOF IS AMBITIOUS IN ITS SCOPE AND GOALS. WITH THIS IN MIND AS CHAIRPERSON I HAVE ALREADY MADE THE APPOINTMENTS THAT I FEEL WILL GIVE THE AFFOF THE RIGHT DIRECTION AS IT SETS OUT ON ITS LONG JOURNEY INTO FOOTBALL GOVERNANCE. CEO - Sir Barrington Thistlebottom OAM Director of Football - Ratko Crnic Boardmembers - former player agent and member of the Hotdog Merchants Regulatory Board Mr Gino Pascatino, former Sunshine George Cross masseuse/physical conditioner and ex-Brimbank Local Counsellor Mr Toby Spiteri, and small business manager and ex-Junior Girls' Skill and Talent Development Officer for the Northern Adelaide and Gawler Futsal League Mr Graham Carter- Mitchell. These appointments I feel bring the right balance of football passion and understanding of corporate governance to the AFFoF. The AFFoF will be preparing and releasing its charter and mission statement encapsulating the above ideas, issues and principles, in due course. A formal approach to the Asian Football Confederation for recognition as the sole governing body for football in Australia will occur thereafter. Of course, we wish both the FFA and Clive Palmer's Football Australia all the best in their ongoing legal dispute. In the meanwhile, the remaining disenfranchised stakeholders can hold faith that the AFFoF will oversee the continuing development and governance of football in this country. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the AFFoF.
apaway
Roar Guru
World wrestling? See, THAT'S a great fit for Clive! Over the top self-promotion is one of their KPAs.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Life is a comedy and we are the punch line, sigh.
Axelv
Guest
Sorry to hear QSAF and I feel sorry for all Gold Coast football fans. I was also disappointed at Ben Buckley, it sounds as if he has ruled out Gold Coast having a team next year. I think if investment, be it from Asia or anywhere came in and wanted to take over Gold Coast, with a clear direction on how to run a football club, to get Gold Coast back into football would be a massive plus for the A-League and Australia, they should at least try, but it sounds as if they have already given up. I know that the Gold Coast community is capable of supporting an A-League team, just not the way it has been over the last 2 years. You can still see players in the flesh locally if you really want to. Queensland State League has the Gold Coast Stars who play at Runaway Bay Sports Centre. Give it a go, I know I'm thinking of going to a couple VPL games this year during the A-League off season, closest team to me is 25 minutes away and it's Melbourne Knights ;)
Axelv
Guest
Actually Puddy is from Adelaide, bad luck! ;)