Football Victoria accused of financial mismanagement as clubs hit out at governing body

Football Victoria has been accused of financial mismanagement as dozens of clubs tallied a combined debt of almost $2m — as they face suspension in 2024.

Governing body Football Victoria has been accused of financial mismanagement. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Victorian soccer clubs are accusing their governing body of financial mismanagement and charging excessive fees after dozens of clubs tallied a combined record-high debt of nearly $2 million.

Up to 40 clubs across the state have reportedly been unable to meet their financial obligations to Football Victoria last financial year, and face being suspended in 2024.

The dire situation was revealed by Football Victoria last week, right before a special general meeting was called for Sunday to vote on constitutional changes and to approve the upcoming sale of the Dorcas St offices in South Melbourne.

However, clubs have hit back accusing FV of financial mismanagement, charging excessive fees, and failing to support community clubs.

One club president told the Sunday Herald Sun that Victorians were paying more than any other state to get players on the field.

It’s understood for a state league team it was costing upward of $20,000 to simply register players and get them on the field.

“Everybody is wondering where the hell the money is going,” they said.

“Because it’s not coming back to the clubs at all.”

Brunswick Zebras Football Club president Carlo Carli said FV had lost touch. Picture: Aoife Carli Hannan

Brunswick Zebras Football Club president Carlo Carli said FV “is an organisation that’s completely lost touch with its roots in the community.”

“We are a community club that’s mostly for kids and we’re paying $70,000, $80,000 a year.”

He said that money didn’t come back to the community in any way and that most clubs were kept in the dark about FVs finances and decision making.

“I don’t mind paying the fees but the problem is they’re not doing a good job,” he said.

“The cost is excessive and it’s an organisation riddled with problems.

“They’re very secretive.”

Labor MP Anthony Cianflone joined the growing voice of concern on Thursday, raising the issue in state parliament.

He pointed out that FV had not held a general meeting in 18 months, and had not released annual reports publicly since 2019.

He told the Sunday Herald Sun that “as a lifetime footballer, including having represented Victoria as a Junior over several years, I am extremely disappointed in the way in which Football Victoria have been treating community clubs, volunteers, families and players”.

The success of Australia’s national football teams has been immense for the sport. Picture: James Worsfold

He said some clubs were on the brink of collapsing with huge fees.

He also warned that it came at a time when demand for football was at its highest after Australia’s World Cup performance.

“If we are to truly seize the opportunities to grow women and girls football participation off the back of the success of the Matildas, then we need Football Victoria to lift its game,” he said.

FV could not be contacted for comment.

However, the statement on club debt released last week said: “FV has worked diligently to contact and work collaboratively with clubs with outstanding debts, by offering payment arrangements and longer-term solutions where required.”

“The public update was issued to provide transparency to the football community.

“Players, parents, guardians and families all form the backbone of our game and need to be confident that any registration fees that they pay secures their ability to play in season 2024.”

An FV spokesperson said: “Football Victoria is aware of comments raised in parliament on Thursday and disputes the commentary. “We will address these matters with the relevant representatives in coming days.”