It’s time for Steven Lowy to make his mark as FFA boss, writes David Davutovic

FFA boss Steven Lowy needs to make some big calls to stamp his own mark, and expansion and transition to A-League independence are the two causes he should champion, writes David Davutovic.

FFA Chairman Steven Lowy.

IT IS a year since Steven Lowy took charge as FFA chairman and he is still emerging from Frank Lowy’s enormous shadow.

Lowy Jnr announced himself with a measured and inclusive response to the anarchy that ensued 11 months ago amid A-League fan boycotts.

Stability has followed, but nothing to trouble the scorers as far as game-changing calls that his dad was famous for early doors.

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The winds of change are howling in Australian soccer circles, and the natives are growing restless at the lack of strategy and boldness from head office.

Lowy Jnr needs to make some big calls to stamp his own mark, and expansion and transition to A-League independence are the two causes he should champion.

Many other issues need addressing, including women’s soccer, but the A-League is the shiny shop front that can deliver riches to the rest of the game.

With FFA resentment rising in recent years, especially from the grassroots and aspirational clubs, it was always going to be tough for Lowy Jnr.

FFA chairman Steven Lowy.

The Lowy to Lowy transition raised eyebrows locally, but it really piqued the curiosity of those in Zurich, prompting FIFA officials to act.

FIFA is enforcing constitutional change at FFA by March, giving more of the game’s stakeholders a say in the composition of the board.

The A-League owners have recently formed and constituted the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA), determined to create transparency around A-League finances.

It’s understood that Lowy and chief executive David Gallop were shocked when the APFCA insisted on their October 12 meeting being minuted. FFA will be held accountable.

Pressure is clearly mounting, and if Lowy fights it he may be on a hiding to nothing, with the owners and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) having never been stronger or more unified in wanting to grow the game.

The quicker Lowy and FFA realise they don’t truly represent the entire game and embrace change, the quicker the game will progress at all levels.

The A-League, W-League, Socceroos and Matildas are products of FFA’s hard work, but head office hasn’t evolved at the same pace, now they’re under-resourced and holding the game back.

The general consensus is that Steven lacks his dad’s aura, no surprise considering the Westfield founder was ruthless, at times scary, and decisive to the point of no consultation on many decisions.

Interestingly Frank Lowy set the wheels in motion for Wellington Phoenix to be punted and replaced by a South Sydney outfit, but Steven Lowy baulked and extended the Kiwis’ licence.

The key to his success is being his own man, and he would be well advised to listen to the growing number of dissenting voices before acting.