FQ Far North: Far North Football clubs protest FQ’s semi-final venue change

Football Queensland’s decision to move all semi-final fixtures to Endeavour Park, a neutral venue, has ignited fierce opposition from Far North football clubs.

Stadium in Queensland, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Football Queensland’s decision to move all semi-final fixtures to Endeavour Park, a neutral venue, has ignited fierce opposition from Far North football clubs.

The move, announced despite strong objections from local teams, raises significant concerns about logistics, finances and infrastructure for the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday.

At a president’s meeting on August 12, club representatives — including representatives from Southside Comets, Edge Hill Tigers, Douglas United, Stratford Dolphins, Innisfail United, Souths Football Club, Marlin Coast Rangers, Kuranda, Mareeba, Atherton, Leichhardt Lions Juniors and Seniors, Redlynch Strikers and TAS — unanimously opposed the proposition of scheduling semi-final matches at Endeavour Park.

A vote was taken with all clubs voting in opposition, however, Football Queensland went ahead with plans to host semi-finals at Endeavour Park for the first time.

They argued that relocating semi-finals from home grounds — where the top-placed teams traditionally host — would result in financial losses estimated between $7000 and $13,000 for the hosting football club.

The clubs also say that any money made at the venue — at the gate or canteen — will be taken from local clubs and go to Endeavour Park leaseholders Football Queensland.

Logistic issues compound the controversy.

With up to 26 matches scheduled for a single Saturday, managing such a high volume of games, from juniors to seniors, poses serious operational challenges.

Historically, semi-finals have been over two days.

But sources from Far North football clubs say the consolidation of matches into one day raises concerns about scheduling conflicts.

The decision also comes after fixture delays earlier in the season due to weather, which led to midweek catch-up games and further strained local clubs’ revenues.

The drop in attendance for midweek fixtures compared to regular weekend games exacerbates these financial pressures, the clubs claim.

Moreover, concerns about Endeavour Park’s infrastructure and management support capabilities have been raised.

The venue’s ability to handle the increased number of semi-final matches and the adequacy of its volunteer support are in question, especially given the short notice provided to clubs about fixture changes.

The Far North football community said there needed to be a solution that supported local clubs and upheld the traditional semi-final hosting model.

Football Queensland was contacted for comment and responded with the following.

“Hosting the region’s Finals Series at Endeavour Park brings the Far North & Gulf region into line with the published, long standing statewide regulations, as well as all the other footballing regions across Queensland where Finals Series matches are played at centralised, neutral venues to maintain necessary levels of integrity and product delivery in line with the Rules of Competition that were published at the start of the year,” Football Queensland Spokesperson said.

“The delivery of all Finals Series matches at Endeavour Park, and all other central neutral venues across the state, provides a valuable opportunity for Football Queensland to present improved football experiences and build connections with a wider football audience, including Government, as we continue to advocate for infrastructure funding on behalf of clubs as part of the statewide #EQUALISER initiative. As FQ showcases the scale of the game and number of participants within the region, we are able to further demonstrate the facility improvements required for the ongoing delivery of football across the region.

For participants and spectators, the hosting of the Finals Series at Endeavour Park will bring an elevated sense of occasion, amplifying the football experience for all participants across the region as the highest performing clubs from each competition battle it out for top honours.”

Originally published as FQ Far North: Far North Football clubs protest FQ’s semi-final venue change