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The A-League has made the controversial decision to follow the lead of rugby league and AFL by locking in a venue for the next three men’s and women’s grand finals.
In what has been reported as an eight-figure deal with the NSW government, Sydney will host for the next three years regardless of who wins the Premiers Plate in the competitions.
In the A-League that breaks an 18-year tradition of the higher placed team getting hosting rights for a Grand Final. Matches have been played across the country over the years.
The Australian Professional Leagues have opted instead for a fixed-term contract with Destination NSW, the state government’s lead tourism arm, which will run through to the end of 2025.
APL chief executive Danny Townsend told the Sydney Morning Herald that it was a chance for the game to build a “tradition for football fans.”
“When you think about a cup final in England, you think about the trip to Wembley, and we want fans in Australia to look forward to the A-Leagues finals in the same way,” Townsend said.
The A-League Women’s grand final is to be held on April 30, with the men on June 3. A stadium has not been announced. If neither Sydney FC or Western Sydney Wanderers finish top of the league it means the team that does will give away home field advantage in the biggest game of the season – perhaps against one of those teams.
The decision has already caused anger and frustration within the Australian football community.
Townsend is adamant that the new system will be embraced by supporters.
“We are working with transport and accommodation providers to develop special packages for travelling fans, including our official hotel partner IHG who have committed to offer a special discounted rate to travelling fans,” he said.
“Because we have certainty about which city will be hosting the final from a long way out, we are able to build a ‘Festival of Football’ around these major events.”
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming and on the back of the Socceroos’ historic World Cup in Qatar, football in Australia has never been stronger,” said NSW sports minister Alister Henskens.
“NSW is home to the most clubs in the A-Leagues competition, with the greatest supporter base, most passionate fans, the highest level of football participation and the best football venues, including Australia’s largest rectangular football stadium.
“This new week-long football event will provide football and sports fans with an experience unique to all other codes and cement the A-League grand finals amongst the very best sporting events on our national sporting calendar.”
Townsend meanwhile committed to do a Q and A with fans in the wake of the decision. The announcement of his interaction drew further disdain on social media.