FFA CEO David Gallop says right balance needs to be struck as football considers future path

Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop has warned of “competing interests” after A-League clubs unveiled their proposal for an independent national competition.

FFA CEO David Gallop.

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Football Federation Australia chief executive officer David Gallop has warned of “competing interests” after A-League clubs unveiled their proposal for an independent national competition.

Via their umbrella body Australian Professional Football Clubs Association, A-League clubs on Wednesday released their plan for a self-governing future.

Among other things, clubs want control of their competition in time for next season and 90 per cent of broadcast money.

Gallop ¬ who will be at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday for the first of a series of community summits to shape Australian football ¬ said time was of the essence in deciding how the A-League will operate in the future.

“It’s the start of the new working league project and clearly the clubs have produced their blueprint,” Gallop told The Courier-Mail.

“It’s important to now take on board the views of the member federations and the PFA (players’ union) ¬ that’ll be the next step in the process.

FFA CEO David Gallop.

“Clearly there are going to be competing interests, and that will need to be worked through by the working group with a relatively tight time frame in place.

“Everyone’s working towards a March 31 deadline. It’s important that we put our foot on the pedal as we move towards that deadline.”

Gallop said the right balance had to be struck in getting the best outcome for the professional game, the sport’s grassroots and national teams.

“The working group needs to consider the game’s current financial position as well as what it’s going to look like in the future,” he said.

Apart from Gallop, FFA chairman Chris Nikou and board members Joseph Carrozzi and Remo Nogarotto will also be at Sunday’s community summit.

A cross section of the football community ¬ including representatives from member federations, zones and district associations, and local clubs, as well as coaches, referees and fans ¬ are expected to be present at the summit.

“The board and management will look to get feedback from the football community on what is important to them” Gallop said.

“Some of the issues that will come up include the cost of playing football, player development, the future of the NPL, the new registration system, facility requirements and our efforts to lobby government to improve facilities.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to share their concerns, but also to get an explanation on the broad agenda of the game and how the game’s resources are allocated.”