Across the weekend, A-League fans were finally heard. While Football Federation Australia trumpets glitzy mottos and constantly boasts about the strength of the country’s football community, it has frustratingly failed to operate transparently and inclusively.
As the game’s self-employed torchbearers, the FFA has done a fantastic job in rejuvenating football after the collapse of Soccer Australia and the National Soccer League. But it has been far from perfect and the fans are beginning to see through the governing body’s empty words.
What started as an uprising from football fans over an anti-football media report – which printed the names and faces of 198 banned fans – has instead snowballed into a protest about the governing body’s lack of support for its major stakeholders.
Every supporter should want to expose the minority of filth in the football community, but fans argue that many of the banned have been unfairly treated, and have had no right to appeal.
Protests over the weekend, which included walkouts from Melbourne Victory’s North Terrace and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Red and Black Bloc, were clear in their message – the FFA has let football fans down.
Banners displaying “We Stand By The 198”, “No Appeals. No Justice. No Fans. No Football. Terraces. Not Terrorists.”, “30th minute – 30 days. Time is ticking for a change.” and “Sitting in silence. Like the FFA. No fans = no football” displayed a massive turn of opinion.
What should have been the football community – fans, clubs and the FFA – uniting against agenda-driven media reporting, has instead transformed into a rift.
FFA missed a huge chance to keep fans onside and have instead rightly attracted their animosity.
The response to The Daily Telegraph‘s report came way too late. Then when a response did arrive it was more about protecting the FFA’s brand and governance practices than condemning the police and media for branding football fans as “grubby pack animals” and linking them to the Paris terrorist attacks.
Newly elected chairman Steven Lowy had an opportunity to immediately enamour himself with a community still sceptical about his procession to the head job and his ability to move away from his father Frank’s autocratic rule.
Yet Lowy’s silence has been one of the biggest letdowns.
And the grumbling mistrust only grew as fans were fed a series of contradicting comments the FFA.
On Thursday, following The Daily Telegraph’s report, an FFA statement claimed there was an appeals process already in place.
Yet earlier this month, following a recent parliamentary inquiry into policing of Western Sydney games, De Bohun said:
“FFA takes the view that we have a right to decide if a person is welcome among the football community at our matches.
“It’s a general deterrent to those who cause trouble that they face long bans with no right of appeal.”
Then when grilled following the Central Coast Mariners versus Western Sydney match on Sunday, De Bohun admitted that an appeals process would be formalised.
Which is it, De Bohun?
The lies are one of the worst parts about the whole mess, alongside the self-interest, and there is a lack of acknowledgement from the FFA that it stuffed up. It will likely never offer such an admission either.
As Bosnich said, “The time for empty rhetoric has stopped, you have got to do something before you lose the fans…”
While the FFA has stood silent, more concerned protecting its own brand, at least the A-League clubs have stood beside fans in their outrage.
Melbourne Victory named the North Terrace man of the match on the weekend, and chief executive Ian Robson defended supporters in a statement.
Western Sydney chief executive John Tsatsimas said the club would help banned fans with “compelling evidence” of their innocence to appeal.
The clubs’ support suggests that it may be time to finally talk about introducing one of the 2003 Crawford Report’s key recommendations, which was to ensure Australia’s football competition be organised as a separate entity.
A governing body of the league has to be introduced, and one that is independent of the governing body of the game, the FFA.
In England and Germany, the DFB and FA are responsible for the national team, the domestic cup and referees, while the DFL and Premier League take care of the league competition. The structure works well.
It is a shame the separation recommendation was ignored when FFA first rebranded football in Australia, and Frank Lowy himself should have known better.
After all, in 1987 he walked away from Sydney City and the NSL after complaining about the lack of influence clubs had in running the league. The club owners are the ones losing millions, they deserve more say, and they have shown they are united with fans, the ultimate stakeholders.
Thankfully the FFA has reportedly seen sense in loosening strict sponsorship rules surrounding car manufacturers, giving owners a chance to attract much-needed investment. But it has taken years to implement, showing how hard it is for owners to have their voices heard.
The FFA’s move away from controlling the A-League does not have to be a messy split, it can be conducted amicably. A new governing body which gives more control to the clubs sinking millions into football has to happen eventually.
Some see the FFA’s promise of an appeals process as a victory, which is only a half truth.
“We are formalising a process that if a banned spectator can prove to us, through new evidence, that there has been a mistake made, they can bring that evidence to the club, that club can work with us and the fan through that issue,” De Bohun said on Sunday.
“I can tell you categorically that if the fan has not engaged in the alleged behaviour, that ban will be overturned.”
The trouble is that the FFA’s view is still guilty until proven innocent, a ridiculous concept in any other aspect of a democratic society. The FFA has access to CCTV footage, police reports, and should ensure a fan’s guilt before handing down a ban. How does a fan prove their innocence exactly?
The promise also represents a Band-Aid solution, as the police and sections of the media are still going to pigeonhole football supporters into one unwarranted category. Trust has been lost, the FFA has to earn it back.
Transparency. Accountability. Cooperation. Consensus. That is what the FFA must introduce, otherwise the disconnect between fans will crack into a chasm too wide to bridge. At the moment, the governing body is looking after its own brand, and the “we” in the FFA’s favourite slogan is quickly disintegrating.
RichardB
Guest
"I don’t really expect these walk outs to amount to a whole lot." Must be choking on those words by now.
jbinnie
Guest
Horto - That is a very good question and actually requires more thought than would first appear as an answer.After all if our FFA Cup ever did get to the same structure as it's model,the FA Cup, then it could come about that you could have a team from Hobart drawn to play a team from Cairns and as the distances are long by anyone's standard that in itself cannot be used as an excuse for banning the 'Nix,after all they are in the HAL,which is played under the jurisdiction of the FFA, as is the FFA Westfied Cup, so has no apparent connection in name solely to Australia ie "The English Cup Final "as against"The Australian Cup Final". No Horto,a very very good question that could be discussed in length and depth but without knowing the financial deals that are in place with airlines or hotel chains I think even the financial aspect of your question cannot enter into the discussion so leaving he answer as a matter of opinion for the individual. Cheers jb
Fadida
Guest
I've never agreed with you more Fuss
NUFCMVFC
Roar Guru
Thanks for the clarity Another + to Gorman on top of his Mariners and Wanderers work then
NUFCMVFC
Roar Guru
Yeah it certainly seems to be the case, I've actually been surprised at the wing support and then Lucy Zelic came out with an article citing grievances from other stakeholderes like ownersand then calling for De Bohuns head on top of Bosnich so even the kowtowing media are deeply irritated - the FFA shafting SBS over the Asian Cup has perhaps played a role The FFA Cup was a step in the right direction but the FFA need to move on from 2005 and there's definetely an organisational culture issue which has affected its relationship with stakeholders I don't mind hearing Fuss providing a Devil's advocate, it keeps the debate honest and prevents Groupthink, but there has been a line peddled constantly that we should accept mediocrity in the present as it's still better than the farcical quality of administration in the 90's
Bondy
Guest
UJ I agree those clubs have not bedded down at all , only AR thinks they have ...
jbinnie
Guest
Fadida - "Nor are people staying away because of politics" How right you are. After the "super growth" , 25% in season 11/12, came season 12/13 with WSW replacing GCU, and "The Little Master" being brought to our game, there is evidence that though the 25% had "slipped" to 18% growth in the season that was still acceptable to the policy makers who appeared to "sit on their hands" thinking everything was sweet, By season 13/14 with ADP still with us and WSW establishing themselves the growth figure had slowed to 6% and of course we had gained a new CEO who,must have looked at these 3 figures and rubbed his hands in expectation,coming from a sport that was witnessing lower crowds almost everywhere it was played at local competition level. We then move to season 14/15 and wonder of wonders the expected growth has disappeared and was actually showing a 4% drop. Did the bells ring? Apparently not, for to date, at game 39 in season 15/16 and using a "game to game" comparison with last year's aggregate average, that downward trend is now measuring 16%.which,if the trend continues will see us back at the same figures generated in season 12/13. So as you say, recent "political" events don't really come in to the overall picture for our growth has slowed from a lowering gain and then showed signs of slowing dramatically into decline over the last 2 seasons. Now I have noted there are many who dispute ADP's effect on gates and yet his ratio to goals scored against appearances is standing at 24 goals in 48 games. If we compare these figures with those of the other celebrated HAL marksman Berisha,who has scored 69 goals in 110 games, ADP more than paid his way where it counts ,on the field. It could be that your final sentence is not so far from the truth,but a true marquee,not one who has been signed under that misnomer in order to beat the salary cap rules. Cheers mate jb
Mamma
Guest
yes the NRL and Sydney Morning herald and most NSW Fairfax papers though it might be Nine money (with cricket as well) as they are or have been tied up with SVOD Stan, the AFR business show, the coverage of the floating of Nine and other collaborations...
AR
Guest
Couple of things in response... 1) I still thought you weren't responding to me anymore..? 2) Anyway, "Uncle Junior"... I think your prediction that "harsh decision(s) will be made within the next 5 years" is wishful thinking at best. This is not a case of NQ or CGU. If we know anything about the AFL, it's that it plans decades ahead. 3) The 2 new expansion clubs are only part of the financial problem. The majority of it is due to traditional clubs spending beyond their means.
Ian
Guest
I've noticed a trend with your comments Fadida. And it's somewhat disturbing. They make sense.
Uncle Junior
Guest
GWS & Suns are not bedded down. Part of the reason for the $20 million loss next year is because the expansion clubs are draining the AFL's finances. The article says "the ongoing financial headaches provided by GWS & Gold Coast continue to dog the competition with both clubs pushing for greater assistance as they struggle to make an impact on and off the field." If management refuses to accept they've made poor & irrational decisions in pursuing expansion it's often catastrophic. If the operating losses continue - and there is no reason they won't continue - the tin may be empty by 2032. I expect harsh decision will be made within the next 5 years.
AR
Guest
I think it's $2.508 billion over 6 years.
AR
Guest
With regard to your last paragraph, I think the AFL has shown itself to be pretty capable in terms of managing its finances. At least, it's clearly the corporate benchmark as far as sporting administration goes in Australia. What the AFL's recent difficulties have proven is how tough expansion can be. New markets require many millions over many years, particularly when their not funded by private owners like NQ or GCU were. With GWS and GCS now bedded down, and all the stadium & infrastructure paid for...we won't find out whether it's all been worth it until about 2032. But as I said, they've got a pretty good track record.
Midfielder
Guest
Good point and new folk to Football I need to point out in the NSL bans could be challenged and appealed and appealed and appealed ... their is a point where attempting to run a Football competition is akin to legal cases before the law... lets be fair if you are charged before the courts with a crime the result can lead to jail, often prevent joining certain organisations and many jobs require a criminal free record...meaning the system in place to prevent innocent folk charged and convicted incorrectly is both costly and time consuming and even then if often gets it wrong... To burden a sport with these levels of proof is akin to not having a policy as on appeal you are always free or mostly free so say a guy belts ten women at a match is banned ... appeals his ban... then appeals to a higher level ... the process could take months if not years which as the saying goes a slow reaction is in effect no reaction. This in some ways hurt the old NSL... Me thinks FFA have created some issues and are caught in a kinda loop of people wanting all things and not being happy with the FFA... Despite how grand it may feel SM is right in saying the process needs to be quick and the appeal process limited the alternative is go to the courts and appeal appeal etc ... which as I said is both costly and totally ineffective... As I have said since Hal 2 ... FFA and the HE's need to met respect each other and find common workable areas ... also the HE's need to understand they are not the only fans and other fans issues are equally as important as theirs...
Janek Speight
Expert
Hey, no need for insults, spruce moose. Chill. Your comparisons fall flat anyway. A speeding fine or a red card is nowhere near the same level as handing out a three to 10-year ban for a crime not proven. There is no doubt some fans deserve their punishment. But if you want to ban someone from participating in something they love, I say at least provide some evidence.
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
;)
Ian
Guest
And you hate football. So why are you reading football articles daily for the last two weeks? I guess when there was 18 months or more of James Hird and the usual drug infested AFL culture that is somehow different. Perhaps a woman being punched in the stands is an on field issue to you. Granted AFL players aren't the best role models for domestic violence but that's not my point really.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Sorry how much is the AFL rights deal again. Just over 2B over 7 years.
Ian
Guest
Good to see you could post the word tr....ls and it didn't get blocked. These clowns go on the attack and anyone who defends football then is ironically 'defensive' with a 'chip on their shoulder'. They want to be able to say whatever they want - on a sport they don't like - with no response back. If there is a response they get really upset.
Sydneysider
Guest
I agree with you AR. It's very expensive to run a national sporting competition, especially when there are clubs that spend beyond their means just to remain competitive. This happens in the AFL, NRL and A-League. The spending happens not only with player salaries but officials, coaches, facilities, hiring of facilities, marketing etc...