FC Bendigo's NPLV future in doubt
By ADAM BOURKE
Oct. 7, 2014, 1:04 p.m.
FC Bendigo could be forced out of the National Premier Leagues Victoria competition after one season because of financial issues.
The fledgling club was a success on the field in senior and junior ranks, but off the field the club’s finances are in tatters with some players and coaches yet to be paid.
The Bendigo Amateur Soccer League holds the NPLV licence and FC Bendigo’s money woes have the potential to affect the local league’s finances.
BASL president Andrew Mertens confirmed on Tuesday that FC Bendigo’s future was in doubt.
“Cash flow wise the club has had issues and we’re working through that at the moment,’’ Mertens said.
“We’re confident all the club’s bills will be paid and we’re looking into whether or not it’s viable for them to continue next year.
“We’re hopeful they can, we’re going through a detailed process at the moment to look at possible income and expenses for next year.
“It’s too early to say 100 per cent one way or another. We have to be very careful looking at all the budgets for next year.
“We have outstanding (player and coaching) payments at the moment and we need to work through that.
“The expenses this year turned out to be more than originally budgeted. We have plans in place to make sure those payments are covered.”
Mertens refused to comment about how much money FC Bendigo owed, but admitted BASL’s finances would be used to support the club.
“BASL is responsible for any FC Bendigo finances because BASL is the licence holder, so it will have an impact on our budget,” Mertens said.
Mertens didn’t rule out BASL handing in the NPLV licence and having someone else in Bendigo take over the licence.
“That’s one of the options that is being looked at,’’ Mertens said.
FC Bendigo only had a four-week period to form the club before the start of the 2014 NPLV season.
Senior, under-20, 18, 16, 15, 14, 13 and 12 teams were rushed together, with the club’s 85 listed junior players asked to pay a fee of around $2000 each to play for FC Bendigo.
The performances of the junior teams proved that Bendigo has the talent to warrant an NPLV club.
The under-15’s finished on top of the ladder, while the under-18’s, 16’s, 14’s and 13’s finished third.
The senior team won nine games, including its final four games, to finish 11th on the ladder.
Half the senior squad had Bendigo links, but the club was forced to “buy in” some high-priced talent to ensure it was competitive on the field.
A final decision on FC Bendigo’s future is expected by the end of October.
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