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FFA ratify new banning procedure

The FFA need to find a balance between keeping the A-League competitive, but also keeping players in Australia. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
15th February, 2016
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Football Federation Australia have today announced the results of a review into the banning procedure for misbehaving attendees at football matches and events across the country.

After months of review after fan boycott action forced the FFA to reconsider their position, a less stringent policy with more recourse for those banned has been introduced.

The announcement comes after a second show cause notice was handed down to a club, this time Melbourne Victory, for fans pulling flares during a game.

It came after the discussion last week was dominated by the issues faced by fans and administrators at the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The structure will be imposed on all A-League and other FFA-run events. According to the FFA’s release, there are four key changes to the current procedure, which are quoted verbatim here.

· FFA has introduced a “Notice of Intention to Ban” process, giving persons facing a ban the opportunity to make a submission and provide evidence to FFA for consideration before FFA makes its decision to impose a ban.

· As part of the new procedure, FFA will provide access to evidence that it is legally allowed to disclose to the person. Where it is unable to provide access to the evidence FFA will provide a description and the legal impediment will be identified. FFA will continue to work with police, venues and other third parties to break down the legal barriers that exist to providing access. This may include the ability to disclose evidence to a qualified legal practitioner with appropriate undertakings.

· FFA has introduced the right for banned persons to appeal FFA’s decision to issue a ban to a three-person Football Independent Banning Appeals Committee (FIBAC) consisting of a pool of 12 prominent barristers and legal practitioners. It will be chaired by His Honour Judge Rauf Soulio of the District Court of South Australia, who is the former chairman of the Australian Multicultural Council, an arbitrator in the international Court of Arbitration for Sport and retiring President of Football Federation South Australia.

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· The 198 persons who are currently banned, will be able to apply to have their case reviewed by the FIBAC if they dispute that they engaged in the conduct for which they were banned.

Active supporter groups throughout the country were consulted throughout the process, and last week said they were eagerly awaiting the results. A Red and Black Bloc statement reiterated that the boycotts could resume if they were dissatisfied with the process.

FFA Chariman Steven Lowy said the review was thorough, and he is pleased with the result they achieved.

“We were determined not to make a knee-jerk response to this complex issue,” he said.

“Extensive consultations were held with stakeholders, including fan groups, clubs, State Federations, stadia managers and State police forces.

“The result will provide a more comprehensive process to those facing bans because of anti-social behaviour and delivers on the commitment made by FFA in its meeting with fan groups in December last year.

“At the same time it underscores the paramount duty of FFA to provide a safe environment for all true football fans and maintains our policy of zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour.”

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FFA CEO David Gallop said the new process would satisfy fan groups.

“It shows if we all work together we can ensure the unique passion and atmosphere at football matches is celebrated and preserved for all true football fans as we strive to grow our game,” Gallop said.

“This new procedure allows a person facing a ban the opportunity to put forward their case at no cost before the ban is imposed, greater access to evidence where legally possible and the right to appeal a ban to an independent appeal committee.

“In developing a new procedure, we have maintained our firm stance on safety at football matches. Our paramount responsibility is to ensure that every fan that goes to a game can enjoy a safe environment.

“Our policy of zero-tolerance towards anti-social behaviour has not changed.

“The last week has highlighted that the small number of troublemakers who discharge flares and associated devices, and those who are accessories to that behaviour, pose a threat to safety and our goal to grow the game,” Gallop said. “FFA, clubs and true football fans have been united in their disdain.

“FFA is committed to ridding the game of these people who masquerade as fans while lighting flares and other devices. We will also be implementing a national campaign that will clearly illustrate the danger flares pose to people at football matches and will consider penalties for clubs whose fans take part in this illegal behaviour.”

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