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.
Nonbloke
Roar Rookie
I’m sorry……… it was during a heavy Covid season that only 22000 attended a two gf contestants relying on a heavy var participation in results. No problem getting sold out crowds for afl, nrl, tennis, horse racing and now I’m getting bored. I am not a Vic supporter I just thought the comment was worthy.
Megeng
Roar Rookie
How about removing the keepers ahead of golden goal extra time?
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
I think this is hardly the correct thread for discussing penalty shootoiouts, but seeing as you have raised the question… Golden Point / Goal is OK for codes that have a lot of scoring in each game (think AFL, League, Union, basketball etc). However, the most common result in a soccer match is 0-0. Playing another 30 minutes of extra time is no guarantee that a goal will be scored. And personally, after 120 minutes, I’m glad of the tension of a shoot-out !
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
Dick Darling : “biggest crowds at the largest rectangular stadium in Australia” Agreed. Biggest ground, dirt-cheap tickets to ensure the ground is full, rely on a cut from the mammoth food and drink sales for profit – that’s the way to go. Melbourne or Sydney would be best because they have the best chance of filling the stadium. As for non-Sydney supporters, if you really want to go to see the spectacle of a GF – regardless of whether or not your team is playing – then you can book your flight and arrange accommodation ages in advance. If you think a GF isn’t worth seeing unless your team is involved, then isn’t that a condemnation of the quality of soccer in Australia?
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
"To expect Perth supporters to travel to Sydney, if their team makes the GF, is just dumb, dumb, dumb." If a Sydney team is top of the ladder, and Perth is second, then won't that be what happens, under the existing arrangement?
Micko
Roar Rookie
Auckland & Gold Coast have already been tried and failed. Auckland can't even sustain a second pro rugby union franchise (and that being NZ's national sport!), so not sure how it will be financial. Plus, the hypothetical stadium they'd use is Eden Park, which would easily be the worst stadium in the league to base someone out of fulltime.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Just a lazy two days travel!
Blood Dragon
Roar Rookie
Tassie would struggle to bring in sponsors like North Queensland did when it was int the league being such a small market it would have to be propped up by the League which just isn't possible as there still propping up Newcastle its also rumoured that Canberra will be owned by the APL to start with The only Cities IMO that were likely considered for 14 were Auckland and Gold Coast due to market size
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Strange comment
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Nice one champ
Megeng
Roar Rookie
Take off a player each after each ten minutes, I say.
Garry
Roar Rookie
I like golden goal in the right circumatnces but it wouldnt work at the WC – too much drain on players, coaches (and fans too if it drags on) and broadcasters. Games really need to finish within 3 hours. ps penalties are missed often because of player fatigue..
con
looks like we're in the minority
Janakan Seemampillai
Roar Guru
Oops sorry I meant Allianz
Megeng
Roar Rookie
Maybe they're relying on tv rights for the gf and they have access to that new artificial crowd technology for tv. The players after all got used to empty stadia in COVID. Which brings me to penalty shootouts; they have to go. Bring on golden goal.
Garry
Roar Rookie
nope..how it was made is a key consideration BUT the screaming here is a reaction to the loss of a non existing GF. The FOLLOW UP question of why? is now being asked
Garry
Roar Rookie
Im guessing you meant Allianz but whilst possible I dont think its likely. However this is a way theyre trying to recoup the money I guess. The NRL have already conned them into giivng money for their GF.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Wouldnt it be better for those against to attend MORE non-nsw games ? Boycott away NSW games NOT their own. Those fans dropping club memberships for a mythical knight in armour need to show some pragmatism.
Garry
Roar Rookie
at last some pragmatism
Garry
Roar Rookie
Thats exactly why this option is being tried ..wouldnt it be better for those against to attend MORE non-nsw games ? Boycott away NSW games NOT their own.