Sage already said many clubs will be standing players down. I’d expect we will be one of them and only the wealthiest clubs will continue as usual. If it’s good enough for the office/support staff it’s good enough for the players IMO, especially since most of them would have a bigger wage than the office staff.
-
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Will the A-League survive the Coronavirus?
- Thread starter jacobsfl
- Start date
sydmariner
Well-Known Member
FFS
UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO
BY DAVE LEWIS
Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar have, it’s understood, today followed Perth Glory’s example by standing down players and staff in response to the A-League’s coronavirus lockdown.
It’s believed, in unison with Glory, payments to all Mariners and Brisbane employees will be frozen Indefinitely.
The competition isn’t expected to resume for several months - with April 22’s initial reappraisal date looking certain to be extended.
In what has quickly become a domino effect, Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets are anticipated to soon follow suit, as clubs scramble to take some of the sting out the financial hammer blow which has resulted from the competition’s shutdown with six rounds of the regular season remaining.
The PFA has already flagged legal action against Glory owner Tony Sage for what he claims is an attempt to ensure the club’s long-term survival.
And the Mariners and Brisbane can expect a similar response as the fallout from football’s global hiatus sends financial shock waves through the game.
FFA chief executive James Johnson is also closely monitoring developments and has already indicated he will not hesitate to step in and force some form of settlement between the A-League clubs and the PFA should he deem it necessary.
That point appears to be arriving at warp speed as club chiefs seek to cut mounting costs.
Broadcaster Fox Sports are almost certain to withhold payment to the clubs worth around $900,000 each, which is due at the beginning of April.
With no product, the rights holder can declare the clubs in breach of contract.
Almost half of A-League players are off contract in May, and the stand-downs heap even more uncertainty on their futures.
Only Melbourne City - backed by the City Football Group - and Sydney FC have, thus far, guaranteed to cover their players’ wage bills next month.
Both Brisbane and the Mariners were approached for comment, as was FFA.
UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO
BY DAVE LEWIS
Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar have, it’s understood, today followed Perth Glory’s example by standing down players and staff in response to the A-League’s coronavirus lockdown.
It’s believed, in unison with Glory, payments to all Mariners and Brisbane employees will be frozen Indefinitely.
The competition isn’t expected to resume for several months - with April 22’s initial reappraisal date looking certain to be extended.
In what has quickly become a domino effect, Adelaide United and Newcastle Jets are anticipated to soon follow suit, as clubs scramble to take some of the sting out the financial hammer blow which has resulted from the competition’s shutdown with six rounds of the regular season remaining.
The PFA has already flagged legal action against Glory owner Tony Sage for what he claims is an attempt to ensure the club’s long-term survival.
And the Mariners and Brisbane can expect a similar response as the fallout from football’s global hiatus sends financial shock waves through the game.
FFA chief executive James Johnson is also closely monitoring developments and has already indicated he will not hesitate to step in and force some form of settlement between the A-League clubs and the PFA should he deem it necessary.
That point appears to be arriving at warp speed as club chiefs seek to cut mounting costs.
Broadcaster Fox Sports are almost certain to withhold payment to the clubs worth around $900,000 each, which is due at the beginning of April.
With no product, the rights holder can declare the clubs in breach of contract.
Almost half of A-League players are off contract in May, and the stand-downs heap even more uncertainty on their futures.
Only Melbourne City - backed by the City Football Group - and Sydney FC have, thus far, guaranteed to cover their players’ wage bills next month.
Both Brisbane and the Mariners were approached for comment, as was FFA.
MrCelery
Well-Known Member
South Melbourne are banging on the door yet again. Surprise, surprise:
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...r-whole-of-game-shake-up-20200403-p54gvr.html
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...r-whole-of-game-shake-up-20200403-p54gvr.html
Pirate Pete
Well-Known Member
From the article.....
The crisis could accelerate plans to introduce promotion and relegation and a fully integrated pyramid system at state and national levels, says the man who is chairman of the Australian Association of Football Clubs (AAFC), the body representing NPL clubs in Australia.
What a load of bollocks. After the crisis there will be less money flying around the place.
For promotion and relegation you'd need more than ever.
It won't happen.
FFC Mariner
Well-Known Member
They forget the 10 year licenses.
pjennings
Well-Known Member
In a nutshell: -
Fox Sports, FFA in game of chicken for A-League broadcast rights
By Dominic Bossi
April 4, 2020 — 3.48pm
The future of the A-League's TV rights could come down to a game of chicken between Fox Sports and Football Federation Australia with the two organisations waiting for the other to flinch before claiming a breach of contract. After a meeting between FFA chief executive James Johnson and Foxtel chief Patrick Delaney on Friday, the A-League clubs were told they will likely receive their final instalments of the broadcast deal for this year, but were given no assurances for the future.
Senior A-League sources suggest Fox Sports will likely be in breach of its contract if it does not pay its near $12 million bill to FFA on April 15. By keeping the deal intact for the remainder of this season, Fox could force FFA to breach the terms of the deal if the A-League is unable to deliver matches after receiving the final payment for this financial year.With next to no chance of games being played in the coming months, Fox Sports could potentially walk away from the broadcast deal, arguing the FFA and A-League could not meet the terms of their agreement.
FFA will convene on April 22 to decide if and when the season can continue, but there are faint hopes of games being played in the foreseeable future. Foxtel declined to comment on its deal with FFA and the A-League when contacted by the Herald on Saturday and are yet to confirm their position to the games' stakeholders.
Should the broadcaster decide to walk away from Australian football after a 15-year partnership, it could allow the A-League to accelerate plans to become formally independent of FFA.
The $57 million-a-year broadcast deal between FFA and Foxtel has kept the competition bound to the FFA, but if that was to be torn apart before the start of next season, as several administrators expect, there will be little standing in the way of the clubs pushing for immediate autonomy.
Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer, who is the head of the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association – the body representing all 11 A-League clubs – said the road map for the competition's separation was being finalised by lawyers. Lederer urged Fox Sports to honour the remainder of the TV deal until 2023, but would not rule out the process of independence being accelerated by a possible premature end of the agreement.
"FFA and the clubs are aligned," he said. "The FFA are well aware that there will be an independent A-League. There's no question, there’s just a question around the legalities and things like that. All the stakeholders, the states know that, the FFA know that."
Those fears are real enough for the clubs and FFA to already look for back-up broadcast options in the event the A-League is left without a TV partner for the start of next season. Perth Glory owner Tony Sage remained in the dark over the future of the broadcast deal and was far from certain Fox would continue to televise the league.
"Everyone wants the league to survive, [but] we may not have a TV deal – it's all been in the press that Fox may cancel. We don't know," Sage said. "We don't know if we're going to get the payment that was due in April. Fox have not asked one owner to be on their channel because I think the thing we would say is, 'is our broadcasting deal safe?' They don't want to hear that, they just want to put the coaches association or players union on, which is not fair."
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...-league-broadcast-rights-20200403-p54gtt.html
- Clubs will be paid the final installment for this year or Fox will be in breach
- If no more games this season FFA would be in breach and Fox free to tear up contract leading to the iHal becoming properly independent before the end of the current contract.
- FFA already looking for backup TV partners for next year
Fox Sports, FFA in game of chicken for A-League broadcast rights
By Dominic Bossi
April 4, 2020 — 3.48pm
The future of the A-League's TV rights could come down to a game of chicken between Fox Sports and Football Federation Australia with the two organisations waiting for the other to flinch before claiming a breach of contract. After a meeting between FFA chief executive James Johnson and Foxtel chief Patrick Delaney on Friday, the A-League clubs were told they will likely receive their final instalments of the broadcast deal for this year, but were given no assurances for the future.
Senior A-League sources suggest Fox Sports will likely be in breach of its contract if it does not pay its near $12 million bill to FFA on April 15. By keeping the deal intact for the remainder of this season, Fox could force FFA to breach the terms of the deal if the A-League is unable to deliver matches after receiving the final payment for this financial year.With next to no chance of games being played in the coming months, Fox Sports could potentially walk away from the broadcast deal, arguing the FFA and A-League could not meet the terms of their agreement.
FFA will convene on April 22 to decide if and when the season can continue, but there are faint hopes of games being played in the foreseeable future. Foxtel declined to comment on its deal with FFA and the A-League when contacted by the Herald on Saturday and are yet to confirm their position to the games' stakeholders.
Should the broadcaster decide to walk away from Australian football after a 15-year partnership, it could allow the A-League to accelerate plans to become formally independent of FFA.
The $57 million-a-year broadcast deal between FFA and Foxtel has kept the competition bound to the FFA, but if that was to be torn apart before the start of next season, as several administrators expect, there will be little standing in the way of the clubs pushing for immediate autonomy.
Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer, who is the head of the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association – the body representing all 11 A-League clubs – said the road map for the competition's separation was being finalised by lawyers. Lederer urged Fox Sports to honour the remainder of the TV deal until 2023, but would not rule out the process of independence being accelerated by a possible premature end of the agreement.
"FFA and the clubs are aligned," he said. "The FFA are well aware that there will be an independent A-League. There's no question, there’s just a question around the legalities and things like that. All the stakeholders, the states know that, the FFA know that."
Those fears are real enough for the clubs and FFA to already look for back-up broadcast options in the event the A-League is left without a TV partner for the start of next season. Perth Glory owner Tony Sage remained in the dark over the future of the broadcast deal and was far from certain Fox would continue to televise the league.
"Everyone wants the league to survive, [but] we may not have a TV deal – it's all been in the press that Fox may cancel. We don't know," Sage said. "We don't know if we're going to get the payment that was due in April. Fox have not asked one owner to be on their channel because I think the thing we would say is, 'is our broadcasting deal safe?' They don't want to hear that, they just want to put the coaches association or players union on, which is not fair."
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...-league-broadcast-rights-20200403-p54gtt.html
Pirate Pete
Well-Known Member
Good to see lawyers won't be after the $1500 a fortnight.
Insertnamehere
Well-Known Member
US buyers ready to pounce on Australian teams, says investment banker
The American powerbroker responsible for ownership deals in the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL has prospective buyers ready to swallow up entire Australian sporting codes.
pjennings
Well-Known Member
There will be a myriad of questions.
Will Fox make the payment on 15th of this month?
When can the FFA complete the rest of the season - even if it is held as a mini-tournament in a remote location.
Given the late completion and the likelihood that crowds will not be allowed for at least a few months after that do we delay the start of the season and bring it in line with Asia?
Will there be a cap?
Will there be a lower cap?
Will stadium requirements be lowered?
Will the W-League expand as planned?
How does this affect a second division?
And most of the answers are reliant on answers to health questions we don't have a clue how to answer
Will Fox make the payment on 15th of this month?
When can the FFA complete the rest of the season - even if it is held as a mini-tournament in a remote location.
Given the late completion and the likelihood that crowds will not be allowed for at least a few months after that do we delay the start of the season and bring it in line with Asia?
Will there be a cap?
Will there be a lower cap?
Will stadium requirements be lowered?
Will the W-League expand as planned?
How does this affect a second division?
And most of the answers are reliant on answers to health questions we don't have a clue how to answer
sydmariner
Well-Known Member
pjennings
Well-Known Member
The outgoing National TD has put together his thoughts on what needs to happen with Australian football. Worth a read.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6653056594605154304/
pjennings
Well-Known Member
COVID-19 pandemic a chance for truly unify football in Australia
Marco Monteverde, The Courier-Mail
April 12, 2020 11:43am
The coronavirus pandemic has meant James Johnson’s start to life as Football Federation Australia CEO has taken an unexpected course. However the proud Queenslander tells Marco Monteverde that it has presented an opportunity to truly unify the sport nationwide.
Monteverde: Your first three months as FFA CEO has coincided with the spread of COVID-19 and the effect it has had on not only football, but all sport and the whole society. How have you found the challenge of running football in these unprecedented times?
Johnson: COVID-19 has knocked the wind out of the game, it’s really tested the game, but largely Australian football has responded very well to it and come together. I’m very pleased about that, particularly because from day one I called for unity in the game as a starting point. Unfortunately there will always be people that will try to divide during a time of crisis, but in Australian football in this case, that’s been largely the exception and almost non-existent. The big challenge, but also a great opportunity going forward out of the virus era is creating a new vision and new chapter for the FFA administration.
FFA CEO James Johnson has called for unity to deal with the global coronavirus pandemic.
M: How does the new chapter begin?
J: It starts with an honest assessment of what we’ve done well and what we’ve not done so well over the past decade and a half. What we’ve done well is received mainstream support for the A-League and the W-League, moved into the AFC and qualified for consecutive World Cups. What I don’t think we’ve done well has been the disconnect between different levels of football within the game and possibly different eras within the game. The other thing we haven’t done well is player development. This is an opportunity we have going forward to maintain what was good about the past 15 years and focus on what we can do better.
M: Former Socceroo captain Mark Viduka last week commented on Australia’s recent failure to develop players and the need to get ex-playing greats involved with running the game in Australia. Was he right?
J: The simple answer is yes. Mark is a legend of the game. He makes a very valid point around player development. I think there is a great opportunity for Australian football to be a serious producer a talent. The production of player talent is something that we need to take a serious look at in this new chapter of Australian football. In relation to getting players involved, I believe players need to be at the heart of decision making. Already in my first couple of weeks, you’ve seen a very player-centric approach that was taken towards the Matildas. If you look at our current (FFA) board we have Mark Bresciano and Amy Duggan, a former Socceroos and former Matilda respectively, I’ve elevated Sarah Walsh in our management team, another former Matilda, and I’ve recently brought in Robbie Middleby (general manager of member federations), who is my first signing so to speak and a former Socceroo. I would like to see more former players involved than we already have and that will be the case under my watch.
M: Maybe someone like Socceroos great Craig Moore, who has had past roles with FFA and national teams?
J: Moorey’s a legend of the game. He’s someone that I’ll always pick the phone up to. He’s got great knowledge, he’s got great experience and he’s played a number of roles within the game.
M: The A-League season, currently in suspension because of coronavirus, can be completed in the space of a month. How confident are you of finishing the 2019-20 campaign?
J: We’re optimistic that the season’s going to be completed, but the reality is we’ve got to monitor the latest advice from the different levels of government. We had a COVID-19 working committee in place, which has representatives of FFA, the clubs, the PFA and member federations. We want to ensure at all times that the health and wellbeing of the football community, in particular the players in the case of recommencing the league, is paramount. We have a review date on April 22 when we’ll announce our next step. At this stage we’re not able to play, but as soon as we are and it’s safe for our players, they’ll be out there playing again.
M: FIFA has recommended that player contracts, which in the A-League’s case run until May 31, be extended because of the likelihood that no football will be played before then, What is the FFA’s stance on this matter?
J: It’s a recommendation of FIFA not a direction but it’s one that’s being considered by the A-League clubs and the PFA (the players’ union). It needs to be considered. I’ve been pleased that the A-League clubs and the PFA have been in discussions about playing contracts, about the stand down of players at various clubs, and about this recommendation from FIFA. That’s healthy. We’ve been clear that if the clubs and the PFA cannot resolve player matters with stand downs, then we would intervene. Those discussions are going along smoothly.
M: Some argue that state and member federations should be scrapped. How is the relationship between FFA and the state and member federations?
J: We’re working very well with them. That’s a strategic priority for me. We have to have better alignment with our member federations. They’re the base of the pyramid. What we need to avoid is where we have duplicate and too many layers of administration, too many people doing the same thing. We can streamline our operations and work more efficiently but that requires working closer and in a more collegiate spirit with our member federations, which we’ve started to do in the past three months. I see the member federations’ role going forward as crucial because they’re closer to the ground than FFA is. That closer relationship to grassroots football is important.
M: Are you confident state NPL and community competitions will recommence this year?
J: I am. Because the state and territories have also put in place various measures, the spread and the flattening of the virus will be different in each state. What’s important for us is that football is played as soon as possible at grassroots level all over the country, but it can only happen once it’s safe to do so.
M: With different recommencement dates likely for community and state competitions, and the A-League, will the FFA Cup be too hard to run this year?
J: It’s something we’re looking at right now. It’s become an important part of the Australian football calendar. I’m a big believer in the FFA Cup and part of the vision going forward will be to optimise and take that competition to a new level. The FFA Cup connects people and connects different levels of football, so that will be a priority if we can get that up and going.
M: The Socceroos were set to take part in the 2020 Copa America before it was postponed until next year. Are Australia still invited to compete in the tournament in 2021?
J: We’re in discussions with CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) as to whether or not we would participate. We haven’t been formally invited yet but if we expressed interest then we would be. We’ve got to consider the whole national team calendar.
Marco Monteverde, The Courier-Mail
April 12, 2020 11:43am
The coronavirus pandemic has meant James Johnson’s start to life as Football Federation Australia CEO has taken an unexpected course. However the proud Queenslander tells Marco Monteverde that it has presented an opportunity to truly unify the sport nationwide.
Monteverde: Your first three months as FFA CEO has coincided with the spread of COVID-19 and the effect it has had on not only football, but all sport and the whole society. How have you found the challenge of running football in these unprecedented times?
Johnson: COVID-19 has knocked the wind out of the game, it’s really tested the game, but largely Australian football has responded very well to it and come together. I’m very pleased about that, particularly because from day one I called for unity in the game as a starting point. Unfortunately there will always be people that will try to divide during a time of crisis, but in Australian football in this case, that’s been largely the exception and almost non-existent. The big challenge, but also a great opportunity going forward out of the virus era is creating a new vision and new chapter for the FFA administration.
M: How does the new chapter begin?
J: It starts with an honest assessment of what we’ve done well and what we’ve not done so well over the past decade and a half. What we’ve done well is received mainstream support for the A-League and the W-League, moved into the AFC and qualified for consecutive World Cups. What I don’t think we’ve done well has been the disconnect between different levels of football within the game and possibly different eras within the game. The other thing we haven’t done well is player development. This is an opportunity we have going forward to maintain what was good about the past 15 years and focus on what we can do better.
M: Former Socceroo captain Mark Viduka last week commented on Australia’s recent failure to develop players and the need to get ex-playing greats involved with running the game in Australia. Was he right?
J: The simple answer is yes. Mark is a legend of the game. He makes a very valid point around player development. I think there is a great opportunity for Australian football to be a serious producer a talent. The production of player talent is something that we need to take a serious look at in this new chapter of Australian football. In relation to getting players involved, I believe players need to be at the heart of decision making. Already in my first couple of weeks, you’ve seen a very player-centric approach that was taken towards the Matildas. If you look at our current (FFA) board we have Mark Bresciano and Amy Duggan, a former Socceroos and former Matilda respectively, I’ve elevated Sarah Walsh in our management team, another former Matilda, and I’ve recently brought in Robbie Middleby (general manager of member federations), who is my first signing so to speak and a former Socceroo. I would like to see more former players involved than we already have and that will be the case under my watch.
M: Maybe someone like Socceroos great Craig Moore, who has had past roles with FFA and national teams?
J: Moorey’s a legend of the game. He’s someone that I’ll always pick the phone up to. He’s got great knowledge, he’s got great experience and he’s played a number of roles within the game.
M: The A-League season, currently in suspension because of coronavirus, can be completed in the space of a month. How confident are you of finishing the 2019-20 campaign?
J: We’re optimistic that the season’s going to be completed, but the reality is we’ve got to monitor the latest advice from the different levels of government. We had a COVID-19 working committee in place, which has representatives of FFA, the clubs, the PFA and member federations. We want to ensure at all times that the health and wellbeing of the football community, in particular the players in the case of recommencing the league, is paramount. We have a review date on April 22 when we’ll announce our next step. At this stage we’re not able to play, but as soon as we are and it’s safe for our players, they’ll be out there playing again.
M: FIFA has recommended that player contracts, which in the A-League’s case run until May 31, be extended because of the likelihood that no football will be played before then, What is the FFA’s stance on this matter?
J: It’s a recommendation of FIFA not a direction but it’s one that’s being considered by the A-League clubs and the PFA (the players’ union). It needs to be considered. I’ve been pleased that the A-League clubs and the PFA have been in discussions about playing contracts, about the stand down of players at various clubs, and about this recommendation from FIFA. That’s healthy. We’ve been clear that if the clubs and the PFA cannot resolve player matters with stand downs, then we would intervene. Those discussions are going along smoothly.
M: Some argue that state and member federations should be scrapped. How is the relationship between FFA and the state and member federations?
J: We’re working very well with them. That’s a strategic priority for me. We have to have better alignment with our member federations. They’re the base of the pyramid. What we need to avoid is where we have duplicate and too many layers of administration, too many people doing the same thing. We can streamline our operations and work more efficiently but that requires working closer and in a more collegiate spirit with our member federations, which we’ve started to do in the past three months. I see the member federations’ role going forward as crucial because they’re closer to the ground than FFA is. That closer relationship to grassroots football is important.
M: Are you confident state NPL and community competitions will recommence this year?
J: I am. Because the state and territories have also put in place various measures, the spread and the flattening of the virus will be different in each state. What’s important for us is that football is played as soon as possible at grassroots level all over the country, but it can only happen once it’s safe to do so.
M: With different recommencement dates likely for community and state competitions, and the A-League, will the FFA Cup be too hard to run this year?
J: It’s something we’re looking at right now. It’s become an important part of the Australian football calendar. I’m a big believer in the FFA Cup and part of the vision going forward will be to optimise and take that competition to a new level. The FFA Cup connects people and connects different levels of football, so that will be a priority if we can get that up and going.
M: The Socceroos were set to take part in the 2020 Copa America before it was postponed until next year. Are Australia still invited to compete in the tournament in 2021?
J: We’re in discussions with CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) as to whether or not we would participate. We haven’t been formally invited yet but if we expressed interest then we would be. We’ve got to consider the whole national team calendar.
Last edited:
Insertnamehere
Well-Known Member
The followup to this is some ding dong on FB posting, "You've said the same thing twice"
pjennings
Well-Known Member
Did Fox make their payment today? They missed their NRL payment earlier this month
'We will not act unilaterally': FFA rules out early A-League return
Football Federation Australia will not follow the NRL by hurrying the resumption of the A-League, vowing to resume the season only after receiving the green light from all state and federal government health agencies.
FFA, club owners and state member federations were briefed by Australia's chief medical officer, professor Brendan Murphy, last week but are some way off knowing when the suspension on all football activity can be lifted. The A-League's suspension will be reassessed on April 22 while all semi-professional and grassroots football has been halted until May 31 and that hiatus could well extend further.
Several A-League clubs informed the Herald they are not expecting to hold games until late June or the start of July at the earliest with players needing weeks of training before being fit enough to play matches.
There are concerns that a delay that pushes the remainder of the season into the next financial year could allow broadcaster Fox Sports to walk away from the final three years of its TV deal, worth $57 million per year. However, FFA ruled out hurrying the A-League season back prematurely even if it was done to keep their broadcast deal intact.
"We have seen other sports acting unilaterally and this is not going to be our approach. This is not just about football, it’s bigger than that. We believe that football will have an important role to play in the recovery of Australian society and we want to be a reliable partner in the government's efforts towards this,” FFA chief James Johnson said.
“We are doing all we can to ensure that both state and federal governments are also fully informed and aligned with our plans to resume both the A-League and grassroots seasons. Our priority remains ensuring the health and well-being of our community and fulfilling our civic duty as a good responsible citizen.”
Meanwhile, the future of this season's Asian Champions League remains even more murky, compounded by international travel restrictions and heightened border regulations.
The three Australian clubs competing in this season's competition, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory remain in the dark over the future of their participation. The Asian Football Confederation today extended the suspension of games for May and June, having flagged the possibility of playing all remaining group games in a central location in the second half of this year.
“FFA and other international football authorities, including FIFA and AFC [Asian Football Confederation], are placing the health and well-being of the community, including players, officials and fans, as the top priority - we are totally aligned on this as a precondition to the resumption of competition,” Johnson said.
“As the global game, the very nature of a pandemic has far-reaching consequences for the international football calendar. We are working together with our fellow member associations and AFC to ensure they are fully briefed on the nature of government restrictions that apply at this time, and when they may be relaxed or reassessed.
“In most cases, it is simply too early to predict with any certainty when football may be able to resume. The dialogue is open though, so I’m confident a way forward will be agreed as soon as one becomes possible.”
www.theage.com.au
'We will not act unilaterally': FFA rules out early A-League return
Football Federation Australia will not follow the NRL by hurrying the resumption of the A-League, vowing to resume the season only after receiving the green light from all state and federal government health agencies.
FFA, club owners and state member federations were briefed by Australia's chief medical officer, professor Brendan Murphy, last week but are some way off knowing when the suspension on all football activity can be lifted. The A-League's suspension will be reassessed on April 22 while all semi-professional and grassroots football has been halted until May 31 and that hiatus could well extend further.
Several A-League clubs informed the Herald they are not expecting to hold games until late June or the start of July at the earliest with players needing weeks of training before being fit enough to play matches.
There are concerns that a delay that pushes the remainder of the season into the next financial year could allow broadcaster Fox Sports to walk away from the final three years of its TV deal, worth $57 million per year. However, FFA ruled out hurrying the A-League season back prematurely even if it was done to keep their broadcast deal intact.
"We have seen other sports acting unilaterally and this is not going to be our approach. This is not just about football, it’s bigger than that. We believe that football will have an important role to play in the recovery of Australian society and we want to be a reliable partner in the government's efforts towards this,” FFA chief James Johnson said.
“We are doing all we can to ensure that both state and federal governments are also fully informed and aligned with our plans to resume both the A-League and grassroots seasons. Our priority remains ensuring the health and well-being of our community and fulfilling our civic duty as a good responsible citizen.”
Meanwhile, the future of this season's Asian Champions League remains even more murky, compounded by international travel restrictions and heightened border regulations.
The three Australian clubs competing in this season's competition, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory remain in the dark over the future of their participation. The Asian Football Confederation today extended the suspension of games for May and June, having flagged the possibility of playing all remaining group games in a central location in the second half of this year.
“FFA and other international football authorities, including FIFA and AFC [Asian Football Confederation], are placing the health and well-being of the community, including players, officials and fans, as the top priority - we are totally aligned on this as a precondition to the resumption of competition,” Johnson said.
“As the global game, the very nature of a pandemic has far-reaching consequences for the international football calendar. We are working together with our fellow member associations and AFC to ensure they are fully briefed on the nature of government restrictions that apply at this time, and when they may be relaxed or reassessed.
“In most cases, it is simply too early to predict with any certainty when football may be able to resume. The dialogue is open though, so I’m confident a way forward will be agreed as soon as one becomes possible.”
'We will not act unilaterally': FFA rules out early A-League return
FFA chief James Johnson won't follow the lead of the NRL, promising the A-League will only resume with the blessing of all governments.
Capn Gus Bloodbeard
Well-Known Member
reddit says they didn't pay. It's not looking good.
If Fox completely pull out, we're screwed. I know they're a double edged sword, but we're not going to find that sort of money anywhere else.
If Fox completely pull out, we're screwed. I know they're a double edged sword, but we're not going to find that sort of money anywhere else.
Pirate Pete
Well-Known Member
The 15-year marriage between Fox Sports and Australian football appears to be coming to an end after the broadcaster did not pay the final instalment of this season's TV deal, which was due on Thursday.
It puts the final three years of the A-League's broadcast deal in doubt after Football Federation Australia did not receive the near $12 million quarterly sum from Foxtel, the parent company of Fox Sports. Foxtel's decision to withhold the final payment has surprised football's stakeholders as they believed the pay TV provider was legally required to honour the final instalment of this financial year.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...ague-instalment-not-paid-20200416-p54kj0.html
It puts the final three years of the A-League's broadcast deal in doubt after Football Federation Australia did not receive the near $12 million quarterly sum from Foxtel, the parent company of Fox Sports. Foxtel's decision to withhold the final payment has surprised football's stakeholders as they believed the pay TV provider was legally required to honour the final instalment of this financial year.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...ague-instalment-not-paid-20200416-p54kj0.html
JoyfulPenguin
Well-Known Member
Things aren't looking good without the TV deal money, absolutely no way we could survive without it.
FFC Mariner
Well-Known Member
So if the new world means no salary cap, transfer fees between AL clubs and pro/rel, how long before Charlesworth has to front up or f**k off from the club he has killed?
In any league anywhere in the world an owner like him leads to relegation/financial oblivion.
Sunderland, Coventry, Blackburn,Bolton, Blackpool and saddest of all Bury are what happen with an owner like him. Incompetent and uncaring. You can be one but you cant be both.
No salary cap and pro/rel means cream rises and the rubbish sinks - arguably CCM deserve to go for the way we have been run.
Thoughts?
In any league anywhere in the world an owner like him leads to relegation/financial oblivion.
Sunderland, Coventry, Blackburn,Bolton, Blackpool and saddest of all Bury are what happen with an owner like him. Incompetent and uncaring. You can be one but you cant be both.
No salary cap and pro/rel means cream rises and the rubbish sinks - arguably CCM deserve to go for the way we have been run.
Thoughts?
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