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PricklePear
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https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/ffas-plea-vote-to-block-these-changes-513266
FFA's plea: Vote to block these changes! - FTBLFootball Federation Australia have made a last minute plea to state federations to block the FIFA-instigated changes ahead of an extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday.The independent Congress Review Working Group – ordered to be set up by FIFA to bring the FFA board into line – spent six months talking to interested parties in Australian football.
It released its report last month which included a radical overhaul of the FFA board and congress structure, and spinning off the A-League to be its own organisation.
The FFA immediately opposed the recommendations and chairman Steven Lowy threatened to stand down if members backed the proposal.
Football Federation Victoria – one of the congress members backing the changes and rebelling against the FFA position – called an extraordinary general meeting for Tuesday to vote on the proposals.
But late on Friday, just before the long weekend holiday, the FFA sent out a lengthy statement to all members of the congress, recommending they vote against the proposed changes.
They insist that the FFA does back some of the recommendations but not all, and have asked the members to reject the resolution seeking approval for the CRWG proposals.Instead, the FFA wants even more time to discuss possible changes – after three long years of never-ending discussion since this was first raised.
However the fear is that if the FFA is successful in blocking the proposed changes, FIFA will finally lose patience with Australian football and this long-running saga.
They could order the FFA executive group is sacked and install a normalisation committee while change is pushed through regardless. Or they could simply suspend the FFA from FIFA until they accept the changes proposed.
The group of rebels - which includes A-League clubs bosses, led by Melbourne City, the players' union PFA plus NPL clubs, fans and the larger state federations – believe the CRWG was effectively FIFA's normalisation committee step in the process.
And they believe the next response from FIFA will simply be suspension – putting Australia's defence of the Asian Cup in jeopardy next January, and the Matildas' spot at the 2019 Women's World Cup.
The FFA however are desperately trying to cling to power over the A-League, and only cherrypick the reforms that they want which will specifically limit the influence of A-League clubs, players and special interest groups like fans.In exchange, they have offered to "immediately work with members and FIFA and the AFC on a model that retains the core elements of the CRWG model, complies with FIFA statutes and reflects the appropriate Congress balance for football in Australia.
"They insist they can still come up with an agreement in time for the annual general meeting later this year.The extraordinary general meeting called by FFV will be held at FFA HQ in Sydney on Tuesday, starting at 2pm.
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Melbcityguy
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So what will happen on Tuesday?
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Burztur
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So after 3 years and Normalisation Lite, all the FFA have is “just say no”?
Where is their counter proposal to the CRWG option? Do they even propose a modified one?
I hope FIFA intervene now.
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PricklePear
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Would it be a good or a bad thing that Melbourne City are leading the HAL Clubs/Owners?
I guess it depends on what their intentions are, wheather its for the clubs making as much $ as possible, or that it is simply for helping the league grow
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Waz
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@ PricklePear
Good. just because of their expertise.
But the rest of the clubs are dancing with the devil a bit.
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PricklePear
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+x@ PricklePear Good. just because of their expertise. But the rest of the clubs are dancing with the devil a bit. Dont be surprised when all teams are required to wear Sky City Blue :hehe:
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crimsoncrusoe
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FFA want the nuclear option.Clear and simple.
They will resist losing power at all costs and will say and promise anything to keep it.
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bettega
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pretty much an all or nothing strategy at this stage
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miron mercedes
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+xFFA want the nuclear option.Clear and simple.They will resist losing power at all costs and will say and promise anything to keep it. I am still very suspicious of Lowys motives . Make no bones about this , this is Frank talking through Steven. ..the question is why are they so desperate to hang on to power ? Why is it so damned important to them ????? I don't buy the "they just want to be bastards" thinking...billionaire business men know enough to cut and run when in a losing situation ...and this is a no win one ...so what is his motive for clinging so tenaciously to power ...to the extent of getting Australia suspended ? Something very smelly here ....
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Gyfox
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+xSo after 3 years and Normalisation Lite, all the FFA have is “just say no”?Where is their counter proposal to the CRWG option? Do they even propose a modified one?I hope FIFA intervene now. The FFA put counter proposals to the CRWG and it is not their role to put counter proposals for consideration at the EGM. What is happening is just the normal process. A member has submitted 2 special resolutions. The Board has called an EGM to consider the resolutions as they are required to do and as they are required to do the Board has given its advice to the members in advance of the meeting pointing out issues with the resolutions. Its now up to the members to either pass the resolutions or vote them down.
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bettega
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Maybe Lowy and the board are betting on FIFA not pressing the nuclear button and giving them more time to sort out a compromise.
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Eniri
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+xMaybe Lowy and the board are betting on FIFA not pressing the nuclear button and giving them more time to sort out a compromise. Yep sure sounds like it. I kind of think they are right, FIFA may well give them more time and the whole thing might stretch out even longer
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crimsoncrusoe
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Gyfox,
This is not normal business.Not even close to it.
The process may be well understood.But to suggest this is a simple case of vote yes or no is ridiculous.This is potentailly the most critical vote in the history of Australian Football.Voting No has massive massive consequences.
If FFA are this determined for the nuclear option,they must be ready for court cases too.
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PricklePear
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+x+xFFA want the nuclear option.Clear and simple.They will resist losing power at all costs and will say and promise anything to keep it. I am still very suspicious of Lowys motives . Make no bones about this , this is Frank talking through Steven. ..the question is why are they so desperate to hang on to power ? Why is it so damned important to them ????? I don't buy the "they just want to be bastards" thinking...billionaire business men know enough to cut and run when in a losing situation ...and this is a no win one ...so what is his motive for clinging so tenaciously to power ...to the extent of getting Australia suspended ? Something very smelly here .... Have they even released their books yet?
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Waz
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I actually don’t buy into the conspiracy theory that they’ve something to hide which will be shredded some time soon. Lowy could do that before he leaves office normally anyway.
I believe Lowy thinks the current model is the best for the game. The benevolent overlord always doing what’s best and right.
And notice how the language they use is always things like “the board must act on what’s best for the FFA” as if it’s some kind of thing and not an administration layer created to run things on behalf of numerous stakeholders.
He also likes the power and influence it brings, why would he want to risk losing that through greater democracy. Dictators rarely transition to democracy voluntarily
Lowy will win this argument one way or another. That’s how they are, they have to win.
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Barca4Life
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What a farce.
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nomates
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+xI actually don’t buy into the conspiracy theory that they’ve something to hide which will be shredded some time soon. Lowy could do that before he leaves office normally anyway. I believe Lowy thinks the current model is the best for the game. The benevolent overlord always doing what’s best and right. And notice how the language they use is always things like “the board must act on what’s best for the FFA” as if it’s some kind of thing and not an administration layer created to run things on behalf of numerous stakeholders. He also likes the power and influence it brings, why would he want to risk losing that through greater democracy. Dictators rarely transition to democracy voluntarily Lowy will win this argument one way or another. That’s how they are, they have to win. Its pretty fked if that's the case and he wins. Rather FIFA suspension than that.
Wellington Phoenix FC
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Waz
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It is pretty fked nomates ... and FIFA has been pretty impotent throughout this. You have to wonder why?
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Gyfox
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+xGyfox,This is not normal business.Not even close to it.The process may be well understood.But to suggest this is a simple case of vote yes or no is ridiculous.This is potentailly the most critical vote in the history of Australian Football.Voting No has massive massive consequences.If FFA are this determined for the nuclear option,they must be ready for court cases too. The process is being followed exactly as it is supposed to be. Its now up to the members to debate the resolutions and then decide by vote. The FFA have provided their advice to the members but have the Vics put their resolutions into the public domain? I'd like to read that too.
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Midfielder
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+x+xFFA want the nuclear option.Clear and simple.They will resist losing power at all costs and will say and promise anything to keep it. I am still very suspicious of Lowys motives . Make no bones about this , this is Frank talking through Steven. ..the question is why are they so desperate to hang on to power ? Why is it so damned important to them ????? I don't buy the "they just want to be bastards" thinking...billionaire business men know enough to cut and run when in a losing situation ...and this is a no win one ...so what is his motive for clinging so tenaciously to power ...to the extent of getting Australia suspended ? Something very smelly here .... You make if nothing else an extremely well argued point.
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Waz
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Here’s how I’m thinking this will play out now
Special Resolution 1 will get voted through but #2 booted out
This will probably be enough to satisfy FIFA where Lowy can argue “we’ve done the big stuff, we’re more democratic now, however the stakeholders didn’t like the independent league bit, but give me a few more months and I’ll sort out a new operating model”
Don’t ask me how he’ll do it but I then think he’ll get re-elected as Chairman. He wouldn’t be doing all this if he didn’t think he could do it.
What happens next is a mystery. But I’m guessing some kind of continuing war and vengeance on the A League owners. Maybe even hoping CFG will give up and go home now the European loan system is to be radically overhauled?
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miron mercedes
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+xI actually don’t buy into the conspiracy theory that they’ve something to hide which will be shredded some time soon. Lowy could do that before he leaves office normally anyway. I believe Lowy thinks the current model is the best for the game. The benevolent overlord always doing what’s best and right. And notice how the language they use is always things like “the board must act on what’s best for the FFA” as if it’s some kind of thing and not an administration layer created to run things on behalf of numerous stakeholders. He also likes the power and influence it brings, why would he want to risk losing that through greater democracy. Dictators rarely transition to democracy voluntarily Lowy will win this argument one way or another. That’s how they are, they have to win. Waz ...the situation looks cut and dried...if the Congress resolution is voted for..Lowy is gone ...if it is voted against ...we either get a heavy normalization committee....or we get suspended.... again..either way Lowy would be gone .....so why cling on ? I agree you can never discount a very rich and powerful person winning against the odds but Lowy is up against FIFA here and he is a babe in the woods compared to them (look at how naive he was in the World Cup bid ) Suspension is a horrific thought ! Imagine the AFL press going to town on that one . Imagine no international football ....at all. I also wonder about other ramifications . Would overseas players be prepared (or even allowed) to come and play here in a banned country ? Would overseas owners stick around ? No doubt they would for a little while but for how long ? Who is going to sponsor a banned competiton. Lots of scary scenarios We could end up with park football again. Maybe the shredding argument is not an issue ...who knows ...but there is something strange about all this besides a rich guy wanting to win (and lets face it... he could shred the documents if he wanted ..rich people who have everyone on the payroll do not go to jail).....the bigger question re those WC financials is why has no one (Govenment) insisted on seeing them by now ? Surely the Government could have forced the FFA to provide them ? but same answer...rich and very powerful people are not bound by the same rules as everyone else.
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Waz
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@ miron Mercedes
Lowy has out-thought everyone all the way through this. I imagine he’s got quiet a few legal experts in his corner.
See my post below. I think Lowy will get a 1-1 tie on Tuesday. He’ll take that to FIFA and get a compromise.
I don’t believe FIFA are up for the fight over this so they’ll cave and give him more time. And somehow Lowy will get himself re-elected.
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Coverdale
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Ffa have released the bid financials. They were audited and found compliant.
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StiflersMom
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I can understand the side of the story that says the A-League clubs will yield too much power, and their business model might not be in the best interest of developing youth etc (even thought youth development is in their best interest), yet the FFA have closed the centre of excellence , and the only time the FFA have acted to do anything to actually promote football or spend money is when there is something in it for the FFA, eg: the lavish amount of money spent on the socceroos, or when they are holding out their hat for TV revenue , or this year's sudden knee-jerk marketing effort which just happens to coincide to the FFA having their backs are to the wall.
Anyhoo, it's clear a change is needed and a fairer system that allows a voice on the board for all respected parties, regardless of who runs the A-League.
Reckon the repercussions of the CRWG options not being accepted will have far more damaging repercussions then we anticipate, even if FIFA step in, the Lowy's will go down swinging and bring football in Australia to its knees.
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Blew.2
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+xFfa have released the bid financials. They were audited and found compliant. Where?
Clear Contact There
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Derider
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+x the only time the FFA have acted to do anything to actually promote football or spend money is when there is something in it for the FFA, eg: the lavish amount of money spent on the socceroos
Honestly this is my one and only objection to the proposed model and it's a massive one. No one is even pretending that the national teams won't be worse off under a new model. I just can't accept this. I don't give a shit about any existing a-league club or their revenue, but I do care a lot about the socceroos. I want to see the lavish spending to continue unimpeded in that space. Therefore, I would vote with the FFA. Fuck the clubs, fuck the interest groups, fuck everything. The socceroos are the only football team in the world I can fully get behind with passion. The clubs and you guys want to take even that away from me. I'm sorry but I can't go along with that.
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nomates
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+x+x the only time the FFA have acted to do anything to actually promote football or spend money is when there is something in it for the FFA, eg: the lavish amount of money spent on the socceroos
Honestly this is my one and only objection to the proposed model and it's a massive one. No one is even pretending that the national teams won't be worse off under a new model. I just can't accept this. I don't give a shit about any existing a-league club or their revenue, but I do care a lot about the socceroos. I want to see the lavish spending to continue unimpeded in that space. Therefore, I would vote with the FFA. Fuck the clubs, fuck the interest groups, fuck everything. The socceroos are the only football team in the world I can fully get behind with passion. The clubs and you guys want to take even that away from me. I'm sorry but I can't go along with that. But the FFA get enough funds for the Socceroos without dipping into the A-League money. I see your point but don't get it at the same time? Its kinda bipolar and I mean no disrespect to you.
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crimsoncrusoe
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Derider,
Good-luck developing future Socceroos with Lowy in charge.They dont do Youth development.Look at national youth teams performances lately..Look at the NYL,the center of excellence.
FFA have effectively given up on youth develoment and handed it to nine HAL clubs.
Spending more money on Socceroos than any other nation is a joke!
Throwing money at the Socceroos is not a development plan.It's a dumb dumb plan.
By the way you do realise voting for Lowy is a vote for expulsion and NO SOCCEROOS!?.....,,,....LOL
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Derider
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+x+x+x the only time the FFA have acted to do anything to actually promote football or spend money is when there is something in it for the FFA, eg: the lavish amount of money spent on the socceroos
Honestly this is my one and only objection to the proposed model and it's a massive one. No one is even pretending that the national teams won't be worse off under a new model. I just can't accept this. I don't give a shit about any existing a-league club or their revenue, but I do care a lot about the socceroos. I want to see the lavish spending to continue unimpeded in that space. Therefore, I would vote with the FFA. Fuck the clubs, fuck the interest groups, fuck everything. The socceroos are the only football team in the world I can fully get behind with passion. The clubs and you guys want to take even that away from me. I'm sorry but I can't go along with that. But the FFA get enough funds for the Socceroos without dipping into the A-League money. I see your point but don't get it at the same time? Its kinda bipolar and I mean no disrespect to you. What's enough? I'm sure the socceroos will survive no matter what, but there won't be charter flights with massage tables and jet-lag goggles anymore. They'll have to fly commercial to Honduras just like every other underfunded national team. They'll have to settle for the cheapest option when choosing the camps, accommodation and friendlies. This is likely to impact performance, since every bit helps when your player quality is already fairly mediocre. So I think the FFA have actually been doing very well when it comes to the socceroos and would hate to see a new regime tear it down. If I can be convinced that the funding wouldn't be seriously impacted and that the FFA could afford to keep it up without any a-league revenue, most of my objections would melt away. Of course I don't like the Lowy dictatorship. It's obvious that it is gradually strangling the game, but the socceroos are an absolute priority for me.
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