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AFL must cash in on soccer rip-off
Jake Niall describes the differences between Australian football and Soccer at a cost level, and says that the AFL has a distinct advantage in The Age. But there was a minor minus – a small cough – when we received an invoice for the season’s fees. It was just under $600 for a season with…
UBET to sponsor Melbourne City
Following its announcement to sponsor Port Adelaide, UBET continues to expand it sponsorship portfolio by announcing a sponsorship of Melbourne City as a major partner for 2015-2016.
Crows expect “perfect” venue for Showdown after lockout from Adelaide Oval
The Advertiser reports that both Adelaide and Port Adelaide are unimpressed with being locked out of the Adelaide Oval due to an Aleague elimination final ahead of the Showdown, despite having an agreement that allows it access for two training sessions as the home side, while Port are offered one under the deal. The Crows…
FFA confident of finals deal, just not this year
Micheal Lynch writes that while there might be no final deal yet for this years Grand Final, the AFL and FFA have apparently reached an agreement on the next ten years of finals. “I have spoken to Gillon McLachlan and AFL is broadly supportive of coming to an agreement with FFA to avoid any repeat…
Asian Cup expected to deliver $20m surplus
Simon Hill writes that the Asian Cup is expected to deliver a $20 million surplus to the state and federal governments who spent $61 million hosting the event. He hopes that they will spend some of the proceeds on the local game. We had unprecedented government and community support. There is no question that the…
Is soccer in Australia undervalued relative to other sporting codes?
A Report in the Australian asks Is soccer in Australia undervalued relative to other sporting codes? While it acknowledges the greater TV rights and ratings, and likewise the greater attendances, the article seems to suggest that participation at grassroots should be considered a factor when determining the sports popularity. Note: Articles in The Australian can…
Doubt surrounds venue for Melbourne Victory’s semi-final
The FFA has found itself in a spot of bother with neither of its first choice stadiums available for semi finals. The Aleague had originally panned its semi-finals for Friday, May 8 and Sunday, May 10, but both AAMI Park in Melbourne and Allianz Stadium in Sydney are unavailable on the Friday. Docklands has been…
A-League can trump AFL with a mid-week grand final
Francis Leach writes on the ABC website that the Aleague has the opportunity to stage a unique midweek Grand Final to get around the AFL, citing the success of Origin as a template for the event.
Sydney swoop to stage Victory grand final
Reports in Fairfax media suggest that ANZ Stadium is about to table an offer to hold the Aleague Grand Final in the event that it cant be held in Melbourne. The stadiums offer is believe to be contingent on Sydney FC making the final, and would be expected to draw about 70,000 to the ground.
A-League grand final will be played at AAMI Park should Melbourne Victory qualify
News Limited reports that a deal is expected soon to keep the Aleague Grand Final in Melbourne this year should Victory qualify. The FFA is expected to back down on its threat to move the game interstate only if the AFL is prepared to guarantee it can use etihad for the Grand Final for the…
Football’s problematic gambling association
Craig Foster writes that gamblings influence on the game poses problems after betting was used as a reason for a milder punishment than might have otherwise been handed down to the Glory at the end of the Salary Cap saga. That it certainly is, and therein is the problem when sports accept money from the…
Bulldogs stand firm on A-League decider
Numerous outlets are reporting that the Western Bulldogs will not be moving their home game from Etihad Stadium to accommodate the Aleague Grand Final, as the FFA finds that time is growing short to find a venue. “We’re not moving aside for soccer,” Gordon told Melbourne radio station SEN. “It’s a home game for us…
Glory accept Penalty, CEO resigns
News Limited reports that the Perth Glory have accepted the decision to fine and eliminate them from the finals series in 2015. The club will not take further action as it had previously threatened to. “Following the process the club has reached the view that it was within FFA’s power to make the decision and…
Fifa World Cup: New Zealand eyes joint host bid with Australia
The Guardian reports that Martin Snedden, NZ organiser of the 2011 Rugby World Cup wants to make a bid for the 2026 World Cup with Australia. Australia has apparently not been approached at this time.
FFA and Perth Glory set for drawn-out legal stoush after injunction push delayed
Fairfax media reports that the Perth Glory will appeal the decision to fine the club and remove it from the finals for 2015. The club had initiated court action, but suspended it in the interests of the game. The Glory believe the FFA board does not have the authority to impose such penalties. Perth Glory…
Wellington Phoenix’s future in the A-League under serious threat
Ray Gatt writes in the Australian that while the Phoenix are doing well at the moment, their future in the Aleague is less than certain, with Canberra being eyed off as a possible replacement after good attendances during the Asian Cup. They could well end up A-League champions, but Wellington Phoenix’s future in the national…