http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Byear%5D=2013&tx_ttnews%5Bmonth%5D=11&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1673&cHash=d3d10abdc1bdd1eb7e23a82576b7b70d

Edited by theselectfew: 9/11/2013 11:58:38 AM

This sucks but at the same time they have to get it right.

I really hope this is only for a year or Victoria will be a fair way behind the 8-ball since Northern NSW and Western australia will join the other 5 federations next year.

Oh well the Tassie Representative will go straight to the semi-finals next year.

Epic fail.

-PB

Multi million dollar facility just received additional funding under the belief NPL football would be played there.
Sponsors sold something they did not pay for.
Head coach has just pulled out.

Yes there was no official announcement but the Red Devils were led to believe they were a front runner for one of the regional spots and needed to be prepared and ready for next year. Not saying the rebel clubs or the NPL bidding clubs were shafted more than the other but both sides have certainly been burned now. Hate the FFV as much as you like but the bidding clubs were only doing their best to fulfil the criteria set for them only for the rules to change.

For balance (from the other thread):

This statement is made on behalf of the 64 major Victorian football clubs, identified as the Co-Signatory Clubs, which opposed the introduction of FFV's model for the NPL. It responds to FFV's statement released late last Friday.


In the view of the Co-Signatory group, the statement, which was expressly made by the FFV Board and not its management, was misleading, regrettable but unsurprising.

Nevertheless, the Co-Signatory clubs were very disappointed by it, as they had been engaged in lengthy and positive discussions with FFV, facilitated and attended by FFA. At the initial meeting, the FFA was represented by its senior management and the FFV by its President, CEO and NPL Manager.

Indeed, the FFV had publicly described the discussions as positive and as recently as last Monday, had moved to the point where FFV management was comfortable in proposing a resolution to its board which the clubs' representatives had indicated was acceptable to the clubs.

Against that background, the board of FFV announced late on Friday that the NPL would not be introduced in 2014. Having made its decision early last Friday, it did not think it appropriate to liaise further with the clubs or the mediator, nor to advise the clubs that it had ended the discussions which its management had initiated and involved the FFA, which had made such substantial progress.
Instead, it reverted to its high-handed and unilateral manner with which it has mishandled the implementation of the NPL in Victoria from the outset.

The Co-Signatory clubs view its expression of "regret" and "disappointment" as disingenuous and counter-productive and greet it with disbelief. What it meant by "unable to reach a sustainable agreement" remains a mystery and would be amusing if it weren't so serious and if it didn't reflect so poorly on those who purport to represent the game, to protect its proud legacy in this State and to promote its enhancement.

To revert to publicly seeking to reduce the dispute to being between the FFV and two zone representatives, after all that has occurred in recent times, demonstrates bad faith. It knows that the zone representatives have brought the court proceeding, (which now resumes in the Supreme Court on Tuesday), on behalf of clubs and that it is supported by very many clubs representing a broad and diverse cross section of the game and includes all VPL and most State 1 clubs. It is also supported by a majority of the zone representatives and FFV members.

It also knows that the court proceeding has been brought in this way because of the provisions of the Constitution and that its negotiations have been conducted with the clubs.

The Co-Signatory clubs remain committed to establishing the NPL in Victoria from 2014 in a manner which meets FFA criteria, is financially viable and protects the great legacy of Victorian football as it moves to the next level of development in step with the national advancement of the sport.

The Co-Signatory clubs will continue to pursue this commitment purposefully, professionally and cooperatively, free of any distraction caused by the so-called 'Strategic Plan' of the FFV which is irrelevant to it and an impediment to the successful introduction of the NPL. They will not be inhibited by those few individuals currently frustrating the successful introduction of the NPL in Victoria from 2014.

Next Actions

- The Co-Signatory clubs are meeting on Tuesday 12th November. At this meeting the clubs will determine the next course of action - Supreme Court Directions hearing is scheduled for Tuesday 12th November to determine a court date in 2014

Nicholas Tsiaras – Vice President – Box Hill United SC
Tom Kalas – Director – South Melbourne FC

It's unfortunate - but at the end of the day they could be in the NPL-V, starting in 2014, if the FFV agreed to the terms that they (apparently) seemed fairly happy with after mediation.

While I can understand the club's frustration, I think it's a bit of a joke that a club that was due to play in the 4th tier was basically getting a free ride to the top

And then crying when it doesn't happen...

Then you look at Northcote - who were in State 2 5-6 years ago, and through hard work and dedication have won the whole bloody thing this season.

Couldn't agree with this more. They are from the fucking sticks and just because their is little representation they go all the way up. Fuck, that's great for football. I reckon keep as is and just change the name and put ALL clubs under the national scope as to stamp out corruption in lower leagues.

Ballarat did just get demoted from State 2 NW this year, but they were recently on an upwards trajectory being promoted twice in a row.

The 60+ clubs themselves were happy to have two regional clubs in each division, so if they can see the merit in it surely so can anyone.

The 60+ clubs agreed to 2 regional clubs joining each division as a gesture toward the FFV's model in order to try and broker a deal. I'm pretty sure they see no real benefit to teams being able to leapfrog over 40-50 clubs who have EARNED higher league position on the field.

A lot is made of the ability to run a football club - SMFC have been talked down in some quarters because they've failed to win the league since 2006... Well, here we have a club sitting 3 divisions below the required level for NPL, having just been relegated, arguing that they deserve to be at the top. I've no real problem with them being ADDED to the existing top division so long as they can be relegated if they fail to perform... Hell, I'll even help them find the players they would need to compete at NPL/VPL level... So long as the PPS isn't in effect - because if it is they have no chance.

they can always get the Romein brothers back, at least its a start

And yet I'm as pretty sure as you are that they negotiated for two regional clubs because they see the merit in it for the league and for the game. You'll have to ask the South board at the next meeting, be interesting to see what they say.

I'm sure they see some merit for themselves in a broader league, and some merit for the game, but I'm also pretty certain that the main reason they have been willing to have clubs leap-frog over others who have earned their status is simply to placate the FFV, to give ground in a negotiation - which is exactly the opposite of the FFV to this point.

A good friend says "football is like water it always finds its level"

Actually, 8 years ago at my first Junior License course they said in a thick Scottish accent:

"Foodball, its laiyke Realestate...!"

WTF?