The location of this year’s FFA Cup final will be determined through a live draw, with the decision taken out of the hands of Football Federation Australia.
Previously, FFA has had the final say on where the knockout tournament’s deciding match would be played, basing their decisions on a range of factors including finances and broadcaster demands.
It has often led to controversy, with Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow accusing the governing body of putting “profit” ahead of fairness by handing the 2016 FFA Cup final hosting rights to Melbourne City.
Perth Glory, meanwhile, made the final in the tournament’s first two years but had to travel to the other side of the country on both occasions.
After four years of outcry from clubs and supporters, FFA has bowed to pressure and brought in a “live draw” system that will see hosting rights essentially assigned at random.
The draw will occur after the FFA Cup semi-finals, with the two teams who reach the decider given an even chance – provided there is at least one “suitable venue” in the city where they are based.
Once the city is determined, FFA will use “suitability criteria” to select the most appropriate venue.
“FFA Cup fans have been calling for a process to determine the host city for the FFA Cup final, so we are delighted that this year we have been able to work with A-League clubs and member federations to achieve this positive outcome,” said FFA’s head of leagues Greg O’Rourke.
There have been two other tweaks made to the FFA Cup’s regulations.
Teams competing in the final rounds will be permitted to use a fourth substitute if their match goes into extra-time, as was the case in the World Cup in Russia.
Match officials will also be able to issue coaches with yellow and red cards in FFA Cup games, bringing the tournament in line with recent changes to the A-League.
Lionheart
Guest
and Brisbane - SE QLD population 4 million
Nemesis
Guest
This is terrific news. Finally, the FFA seems to realise WE ARE FOOTBALL. Don't need to do things the way other sports do it. The Football community enjoys football culture. We enjoy doing things a our way. The football community we know will embrace football culture. The casual sports community? Well, they can either join us if they want & embrace football culture; or just Go Back To Where They Came From if they don't like our culture.
MQ
Guest
Certainly the great plains zoo would be an additional attraction for all football-loving families travelling to the big event. When is the Tamworth music festival on? This could become a region-wide festival of events.
At work
Roar Rookie
Thanks MQ for that great contribution. Pre-match entertainment could be wrestling with Tigers at Dubbo Zoo.
MQ
Guest
The Australian population centroid is around Dubbo, where it has been for over 100 years. This would be a fitting place for the permanent home of the FFA Cup.
At work
Roar Rookie
Franko hopefully by the time Canberra have a great indoor centrally locates stadium they will also have a fast train running through the city between Melbourne and Sydney.
At work
Roar Rookie
Rom WIN stadium is far from ideal for most fans, especially those that would have to fly in from another state. Unless you support SydFC, WSW or CCM then it’s quite an inconvenient ground. But apart from that I agree with you, it’s an excellent ground and super close to bars and restaurants.
Franko
Guest
One day Canberra will have a wonderful new, modern, rectangular stadium and when that day comes they should host every year. Until then, this is probably the best solution.
Rom
Guest
WIN stadium in Wollongong would be ideal . Perfect pitch .Neutral ground easy to get to centrally located to every thing it's on the beach five star hotel situated next door .FFA have no idea
Buddy
Guest
Why do they get ruled out other than for not winning a semi final? The Westpac stadium leaves many for dead relly. Much rather go there than the SCG this season. Mind you, why the stadium doesn’t just get rotated ech year is beyond me. Both sets of supporters have to travel...... isn’t that a boost for tourism?
Nick Symonds
Guest
"The draw will occur after the FFA Cup semi-finals, with the two teams who reach the decider given an even chance – provided there is at least one “suitable venue” in the city where they are based." So I guess that counts out Wellington.
Martyn50
Guest
Alice Springs is centrally located. No home ground advantage