FIFA given clear view of fractures in Australian football after first day of joint mission

"When the joint mission met the Association of Australian Football Clubs, who represent clubs from the state leagues, and are leading the push for a national second division in Australia, senior officials were understood to have been asked to leave the room. Three leaders from the AAFC met FIFA to push their case to be considered as a stakeholder in an expanded congress and the need for a second division of professional football below the A-League. "

This article is very poorly written. Senior officials representing whom?

I would assume that it was the FFA people who sat in on other presentations but it really should have been spelt out in the article.

Can imagine, Gallop and Lowey leaving the room then coming back wearing wig, make-up and skirts. 'Sorry we are late boys'

This whole thing is a train derailment. Will anything other than talk ever happen? How does our federation end up in a situation requiring a complete rebuild for the second time in 15 years? So much money in the sport nowadays being completely pissed away into the pockets of ‘consultants’ for a start. Maybe we should just give up.

I know it is very frustrating. We just need to ensure measures are put in place to ensure it doesnt happen again. Things like an expanded congress are a start

If the FIFA delegation don't already knowthe issues before coming here then this interviewing process is just more bureaucracy.
It's all very nice to listen.But they have written submissions from most people already.
They will have to make a decision at some point.Because I can't see a solution magically appearing in front of them for approval.

Thinking something similar reading a line that said that the FIFA/AFC reps were interested in trying to understand the grievances against the FFA.

Is that how far they have got in their enquiries to date?

Upon reading that, I thought to myself:  Lowy is going nowhere, nothing is going to happen.

agree 

Well there is always the option of a normalization committee

If it was the FFA, why are they even in the same room. All these interviews with the different stakeholders should be conducted separately so all the beans can be spilled. 

"I think the balance of power seat on the congress should go to Canberra United"

Probably. take the vote away from PFA and then do the 2nd dodgy vote for womens community. Which will be Reid or a lacky. With direct ties to FFA.

Stakeholders get their say on direction of the game

• The Australian
• 12:00AM February 21, 2018
• Save
• • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on email
  • Share more...

• RAY GATT

  

  Sports reporter

  Sydney

  @Gatty54

  

The association was one of a number of special interest groups interviewed by the three-man delegation on the first day of three days of meetings designed to end the turmoil that has plagued the sport over the past two years.

Instigated by FIFA, the delegation will eventually make recommendations around the formation of a working group aimed at reviewing the membership of Football Federation Australia’s congress — the voting arm of the sport that elects members of FFA’s independent board.

The AAFC, which represents hundreds of National Premier League clubs around the country, is one of several groups seeking a legitimate voice at the congress as well as pushing for the establishment of a second-tier competition below the A-League that would feature promotion and relegation.

Krayem said he could not be happier with the hearing the association was given during the two-hour interview with the delegation of Nodar Akhalkatsi and Luca Nicola (representing FIFA) and AFC’s Ravi Kumar.

“It was a very good, very fruitful two hours,” Krayem said. “We outlined our position, where we sat in the football landscape and the clubs we represent.

“We spoke about the importance of a second-tier competition and where we are up to in that regards. We also outlined our thoughts on the congress and made it very clear we deserve to have a voice. We walked out greatly encouraged in relation to where we are heading.”

The other groups given their opportunity yesterday were the Professional Football Referees Association, Football Coaches Australia, Women Onside and Football Supporters Australia.

The FCA said it was seeking representation “not only on behalf of coaches but as an active voice which advocates for higher standards across the entire sport”.

Interim FCA directors Glenn Warry and James Kitching, alongside interim executive committee members Spencer Prior, Warren Grieve, Kelly Cross and Rae Dower met with the delegation. A number of FFA representatives were also present.

“We presented our strategic plan to FIFA and the AFC and put forward our key priorities with regards to delivering better outcomes for coaches,” Warry said.

“All FCA and member federation coaching delegates present expressed the same view: that coaches have had no historical voice in the management of the game, which is unacceptable given the fundamental importance of what coaches do.”

“We’re making huge strides as a stakeholder and it was fantastic to see this acknowledged. Our membership structure is in the process of being finalised and we communicated the overwhelming response we’ve had from coaches right around the country.”

Stakeholders get their say on direction of the game

Fuck there's another 10 years

an update!  wow.  some transparency in a process involving the FFA.  wow.

"normalisation – the process of removing the FFA board – remains a real option."

I cannot see the current FFA mob making progress.  It needs to be disbanded. I welcome our new overlords the AFF....

I heard about the formation of Football Supporters Australia late last year but haven't heard anything since the survey they released. its good to see they got a hearing with FIFA. very encouraging. 

Wake me up when there's a news article saying the FFA has been disbanded. 

And footage of Steven Lowy packing up his desk and being escorted from the building by two burly FIFA henchmen... 

https://twitter.com/womenonside
 

https://www.facebook.com/pg/womenonside/about/?ref=page_internal

Women Onside is an Australia-wide network dedicated to having women involved in the decision making, leadership, administration, officiating, playing, refereeing, managing, commentating, marketing and supporting of football (the world game). 
We are made up of former and current leaders, players, administrators, commentators and supporters of the game. 
Women Onside was formed on 11 July 2017 to provide a voice to those who want to help the Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the International Football Federation (FIFA)’s objectives to have regard for the principles of representative democracy and taking into account the importance of gender equality in the governance of the sport in Australia.
Anyone is welcome to support us in our campaign. Like our page or connect with us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/womenonside.
Organisers:
Tal Karp
Jeanette Jones 
Heather Reid
Sarah Groube
Nicki Bowman
Danielle Warby
Catherine Ordway

 

Taking bets on what will happen first.

1 We get an answer from FIFA & FFA

2 Tony Abbott supports alternative energy and says no to new coal mines.... 

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has expanded its Women’s Committee with the appointment of two new independent members: Facebook’s director of policy in Australia and New Zealand, Mia Garlick, and distinguished administrator and pioneer of women’s football, Heather Reid AM.

The Women’s Committee is a sub-committee of the FFA Board with a mandate to oversee the development and implementation of policies to advance women’s football in Australia.

The committee is chaired by FFA director Moya Dodd with fellow directors Cheryl Bart AM and Chris Nikou as members. FFA management is represented by FFA CEO David Gallop, Head of Community, Football Development and Women’s Football, Emma Highwood and Head of Legal, Business Affairs and Integrity, Jo Setright who is also Company Secretary.

FFA Chairman Steven Lowy AM said the appointment of independent members to sub-committees delivered on the Board’s strategy of embracing the broader football community.

“FFA’s job is to provide leadership that will enable all parts of football to grow and prosper, not just some parts of the game,” he said.

“The participation of women at all levels – community football, professional football and our national teams – is critical to the future of the game.

“We already have outstanding women at the FFA in the board and management team and I am delighted that Mia and Heather have agreed to add their knowledge and experience to the overall effort.”

https://www.myfootball.com.au/news/new-members-boost-ffa-womens-committee

The FFA statement says Reid is independent.....

The plan is for FFA to control the women's community vote and Steven to remain in power.

So she just happens to be part of the mystery "Women-onside" group as well

Yep, this was always the likely outcome, and let's be honest, if it was us in Lowy's shoes, that's precisely what we'd be doing as well to hold onto power. 

Not sure if it's possible for this move to be any more transparent...