The netballer wife of sacked Wallabies star Israel Folau has been spared punishment by her sport’s peak Australian body after posting his bid for cash on her social media.
Maria Folau, who plays for Adelaide Thunderbirds in Super Netball, re-posted her husband’s online campaign in which he hopes to raise $3 million to fund his legal fight against Rugby Australia (RA).
It comes after his $4 million RA contract was terminated in May, following a social media post citing the Bible was deemed homophobic.
Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball released a joint statement on Sunday in which they said they were aware of Maria Folau’s post.
“There is no action required by the league,” the statement read, adding their commitment to welcoming, inclusive and supportive places for all people involved in the game.
“We will continue to support Maria as a valued member of the Thunderbirds and the Suncorp Super Netball league.”
More than $645,000 in donations to Israel Folau’s online fundraising page has already been donated by 8550 people as of Sunday afternoon.
Folau is requesting donations despite a reported $7 million property portfolio and the recent sale of a $500,000 Lamborghini.
In his initial plea for donations, Folau said he had “the fight of my life on my hands”.
He has launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commission against RA and is seeking up to $10 million in damages.
RA chief executive Raelene Castle previously told Nine News the online fundraising platform was for sick children to get help and not the right strategy for the former NSW Waratahs fullback.
Kewl
Guest
Totally, you’re a product of your environment hence most paedophiles are gay (don’t say that too loud though as you may be vilifying pedos)
Kewl
Guest
No, it’s hilarious because it’s harmful.
Kewl
Guest
That is genius!
Ben Bolt
Guest
Good to have that great purveyor of morals and standards,the ANZ bank putting in their 2 bobs worth.
Ralph
Roar Guru
Nice. When I said she would not make headway I did just mean that narrow context of manipulating Netball into the same pit that RA are now in. It is noticeable nobody has followed RA's lead into social gender politics. Personally I only wish the best for her, even that she would grow out of the liberal intolerance she seems to be in the middle of.
jacko
Guest
I am hearing Liz Ellis is looking to become a Senator for the Labor or Greens parties....And thats not a joke thats what they said on Sky news the other day
Mike
Guest
I'm pretty sure they are brother and sister....I mean have you seen a picture of them together? They might be clones too.
Samuela Taraivalu
Guest
Folau is only reciting the Bible and is not referring to anyone in particular..
Jacko
Guest
Munster i drink very regularly without getting drunk or becoming a fornicator.....I know...Who thought that was possible...Ive got a few other sins tho...i do tell the odd WHITE lie...only on rare occasions of course
Jacko
Guest
AK how can you make out the ACL is in any way pushing this?????....GFM would not allow him to collect donations and they thought they would stop him by shutting him down....It redirected him to a site that DID allow him to fund raise and it has raised over $1mil so far and rising at 1K per minute.....The more shutting down that gets done the stronger he and many others will get
Jacko
Guest
His donations are now heading for over a million $$...You are very clearly on the wrong road JUST IN.....
Jacko
Guest
lets just call you JUST IN....at 3 inches long I think it suits
Jacko
Guest
Anon What about Raylene Castle....Another kiwi...But didnt Geoff parkes say recently that "ROAR" is NZ owned?????
Jacko
Guest
Just in you say she has done nothing wrong yet you say Israel has...Where is the difference as maria has posted IFs original post on her own SM site
Jacko
Guest
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/netball-world-cup/113754654/major-netball-new-zealand-sponsor-anz-raises-concerns-about-maria-folau... About half way thru the article ity states that Maria Folau has re-posted Israels original post. That makes you full of it...
Jacko
Guest
LOL...Of course they are.....What else is there?
Jacko
Guest
Wrong!!!!!!! https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/netball-world-cup/113754654/major-netball-new-zealand-sponsor-anz-raises-concerns-about-maria-folau
Jacko
Guest
Justin...STUFF are reporting she did repost Izzys original post on her tinder account and the Sponsors and the controlling body have all stated they do not agree with the post...they do not agree with the Folau's views but they are individuals and have the freedom to do so. ANZ have re-stated their views of inclusiveness and re-affirmed their comitment to Netball NZ..............................Maria later shared her husband's post on her Instagram account, in what was her first public acknowledgement of his situation...............................................https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/netball-world-cup/113754654/major-netball-new-zealand-sponsor-anz-raises-concerns-about-maria-folau
clipper
Roar Rookie
Like a lot of posters Doctordbx is prone to hyperbole - unless he doesn't realise people actually died as a result of the said witch hunts - I$$y has just lost a little of his multimillions so far, although I don't think it was kind of the Doctor to call him a feral rodent.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Was this outcome media worthy? I didn't get sanction for bringing in my wheelie bin this morning, can we have an article about this?