FFA's extremely tangled web is about to be unravelled

By continuing to hold out, Lowy and his backers (who argue that their opposition to the FIFA committee's proposals for change are based on a desire to protect the grassroots of the game) must be incredibly sure that they can see off any FIFA challenge, either at the emergency general meeting they have called for October 2, or in the courts.

The other possibility is that they are being incredibly reckless, to the point that they are determined to hang on to power irrespective of the consequences.

The consequences, should FIFA take umbrage and then adopt a hard line, could be fateful.

At worst, it could suspend Australia from competition, making it impossible for new coach Graham Arnold and the Socceroos to defend the Asian Cup.

Getting on the wrong side of FIFA would also do little to assist Australia's case as it bids to host the 2023 Women's World Cup: one can only assume that a prudent leadership would, of course, have factored that into its decision making.

It seems like this battle between an increasingly intransigent Lowy, backed by a small group of local state soccer officials whose current boardroom influence far outweighs the strength of the regions they represent, and an increasingly militant opposition has been going on for as long as he has been in charge.

The factions ranged against him – who have been accused of acting out of self interest by Lowy supporters – were never comfortable that he inherited the job from his father Frank.

It's fair to say that in many ways Frank Lowy is the architect of the current morass that has seen reputations trashed, friendships shattered, trust betrayed and few parties emerge with their status enhanced.

He chaired the organisation for a decade, and at least one former member has described the FFA board in those days as a dictatorship where Frank Lowy ruled by fiat, and discussion of things that he didn't agree with simply did not take place.

Governance was a concept honoured more in the breach than the observance would be his summary of that period.

For those who just like watching games, or whose involvement is to take their kids along for training during the week and a game on a Saturday and Sunday morning, this is all eye-glazing stuff - a power struggle between one super rich man backed by a few of his colleagues against a bunch of other rich men with their equally well-heeled supporters in their corner.

But it is important, because there is so much riding on it.

If control of the future direction of the game remains in the hands of the incumbents, it will likely foster more resentment and the likelihood of an immediate breakaway by the A-League clubs.

There is, as explained above, the potential of FIFA action which would damage the reputation and image of Australia globally and have an impact on the short-term future of the Socceroos and Matildas.

The 11th-hour involvement of Sport Australia, which had previously kept quiet on the matter, only ratchets up the stakes.

It released a letter on Friday echoing Lowy's view, saying it didn't support the proposed changes from the FIFA-backed working group.

But FIFA is extremely touchy about any perceptions of government intervention, and could look critically on Sport Australia's involvement in the debate.

It's tedious, it's boring – except to policy wonks – but it's important.

And hopefully it will be resolved at next month's extraordinary general meeting.