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Just released
8 August 2013 – UPDATE No: 5
To All Clubs & Co-Signatories – Release to Media & FFV
An update on where we currently stand in the design of a new NPLV model in our state.
This afternoon the FFV formally advised us at 3:55 pm that they would not halt the current NPLV model process.
Our proposed legal action had been suspended for 24 hours (from Wed 7 Aug, 4pm) at the request of the FFV. In good faith we complied.
This decision by the FFV Board is disappointing, however, does not surprise us.
Unfortunately we will now begin legal action.
Our Co-signatory group has instructed GPZ Legal to commence court action. GPZ Legal Partner, Nick Galatas, will be the solicitor responsible for this action.
This firm has extensive experience in all facets of litigation, including successful Supreme Court action against the FFV previously.
GPZ Legal has already briefed eminent sports law barrister Paul Hayes to assist us. Court Documents will now be prepared and filed in the Supreme Court. We will keep you abreast of developments in our regular Updates.
We’d like to commend all of the now 48 clubs/associations for taking the difficult but principled decision to stand together and try and achieve a successful NPL model for Victoria. It’s not only a historic stand, but such a vast number of clubs representing a wide cross section of Victorian football demonstrates the concerns that we all hold for the current model are valid and justifies our stance.
For the handful of clubs remaining in the EOI process, we advise you to obtain legal advice regarding the concerning provisions in the Licence Agreement and the Participation Criteria you have received from the FFV before proceeding.
Our united position on the NPLV
1. We are all committed to a successful NPLV model rollout in 2014 which works for both community and NPL clubs
2. The NPLV should be financially viable for all clubs, modelling by clubs reflects otherwise.
3. That the NPLV be introduced after proper consultation with the clubs and after taking genuine account of their concerns.
4. To date the FFV has not properly consulted the clubs but rather has merely informed us of how its proposed model will operate. Even the peak Council body that represents all councils, Parks Leisure Australia, in a letter attached to all clubs last Monday made reference and supported all of these similar concerns about the FFV's approach and failure to properly consult.
5. We are united and determined to work for the good of the game in Victoria. It is unprecedented in Australia that 48 (as at 8 Aug) clubs/association have come together in a united way.
6. No one can reasonably argue that the NPLV could proceed viably, let alone succeed, without the participation of the top 30-40 clubs in Victoria at all levels: Men, Women, Junior Boys and Girls.
7. The 48 clubs are all run by volunteers who have no personal financial interest in any of these issues and are working for a viable NPLV model. The contribution and legacy of all these clubs, large, small and everything in between, should be recognised, respected and preserved. That will not happen under the proposed model.
It's disappointing that we need take to task the organisation that we fund. We will succeed and do so in readiness for a new NPLV model in 2014.
Next Steps
1. All the co-signatory clubs will convene on Monday 26 August 2013(Venue TBA) to agree on the minimum requirements to be contained for the “New NPLV” model for 2014. It is intended that after this meeting we will consult with the FFV in relation to the implementation of the new model.
2. We advise those clubs considering withdrawing from the Current NPLV process to submit their letter of support to the group.
On behalf of the 48 Co-signatory Clubs
Tom Kalas - Director South Melbourne FC
Nicholas Tsiaras - Vice President Box Hill United SC
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