The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Why we let the FFA down

13th September, 2016
Advertisement
The FFA need to find a balance between keeping the A-League competitive, but also keeping players in Australia. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Roar Guru
13th September, 2016
137
1394 Reads

It is being reported that both FIFA and the AFC are looking to have the FFA change the way that they operate.

Given the process used to elect our current Chairman and committee, they may have a point.

One of the great things regarding Australia is our ability to undertake and value good governance.

We have groups such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that boldly takes on some of the largest and politically connected names on the planet. We support the activities of such agencies and cheer them on as they tackle the tide of self-interest that would otherwise overwhelm us.

So why was there so little outcry when the currency FFA Chairman, son of the previous Chairman, was elected unopposed? Why were people content with a non-transparent recruitment process?

That in a country of 23 million people with a proud sporting history there were only sufficiently qualified nominated applicants to fill one position each in the committee raises questions.

A few bold figures in A-League clubs chose to challenge the system however the footballing community failed to rally behind them. Their efforts proved Quixotic.

The moral position that many took was that the “ends justified the means”. The adoption of consequentialism by the footballing community is dangerous.

Advertisement

Why a community that is crying for improved engagement between the administrators and the grassroots would sanction a process which reinforced their alienation is confounding and one for the anthropologists.

In the end we have undermined the very person who is now in charge and who is, on the face of it, proving an able Chairman.

By sanctioning a process which allowed him power without public contest we have allowed doubt regarding his competency and decision making to take hold. This is being manifested in the reportedly impending intervention from the AFC and FIFA.

The list of sons of ex-leaders elected without contest is not an auspicious one. As Australians we should be demanding more and by not doing so have left the FFA and the Chairman exposed.

And in this regard we are to blame, as we were the ones who failed to rally behind those who questioned the system. Despite a strong culture of volunteerism we have allowed apathy to dominate our behaviour.

Good governance matters and it is up to us, not the FFA or the selection committee, to ensure that it happens.

close