Football Federation’s demand on referee costs puts event in doubt
JULY 30, 2014 12:00AM
Ray Gatt

FOOTBALL fans in north Queensland could again be left high and dry by Football Federation Australia following revelations that a pre-season tournament involving three A-League clubs could be cancelled over demands that organisers pay $22,000 for the cost of referees.

It is a situation that could also play havoc with the pre-season preparations of A-League clubs Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and defending champions Brisbane Roar who are due to compete in the tournament set down for the end of next month.

Northern Fury were left stunned when told by the head body on July 11 that they could not use Queensland referees from the state competition and would instead have to cover the full costs, including airfares and accommodation, for providing A-League-standard match officials.

Fury are conducting the tournament, which involves three double headers to be played in Townsville on August 24, 27 and 30.

However, while Fury says it is willing to meet some of the costs of the referees, it cannot afford to fund the total and believes FFA should, as a goodwill gesture, cover any shortfall.

“The game is just starting to get back on its feet here after what happened a few years ago with North Queensland Fury,” a spokesperson said. “There are now more juniors playing football in the region than rugby league . . . that’s how far we have advanced.

“The club has put a lot of time and effort into organising this tournament and we see it as a great way to continue the development of the code here.

“But asking $22,000 for referees is way over the top.

“Our original intention was to use NPL referees as a development opportunity which they were thrilled about. When they said we had to use A-League referees, we proposed a compromise of FFA paying for flights and accommodation and we would pay match fees.”

North Queensland Fury played two seasons (2009-10 and 2010-11) in the A-League before FFA axed them. The local community was livid with the decision and the fallout hurt the game in the region.

However, under chairman Rabieh Krayem, who was involved with Fury at the time of their demise, they reformed as Northern Fury in 2012 and now play in the NPL in Queensland. The club aims to get back into the A-League within five years.

FFA said Fury were always aware of the need to have A-League referees officiating.

“The host club/organisation of every FFA-sanctioned match bears the cost of match officials, whether it is a match between an A-League club and a National Premier League (NPL) club or pre-season tournaments,” a spokesman said. FFA’s policies state matches involving A-League clubs must be controlled by match officials on the A-League or National Youth League panels.

“In this instance there are no referees in Townsville on the above referee panels, something the organisers are aware of.”

Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata said it would be a “huge disappointment” if the tournament was called off and would seriously affect the club’s preparations for the new season.

“We have it programmed . . . three quality games. To change it now would have a big impact,’’ Pignata said.

“I’d hate to see something like this jeopardise the tournament.”