FFA, fan boycott: Agreement reached as active supporters decide to end boycott following meeting

ACTIVE supporter groups from across the A-League have confirmed their boycott of games is off after reaching an agreement in principle with FFA.

An area of the stands usually populated with the Mariners' core supporter base is seen almost empty with a sign indicating the fans have "gone to the pub", during the round 9 A-League match between the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City FC at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

ACTIVE supporter groups from across the A-League have confirmed their boycott of games is off after reaching an agreement in principle with Football Federation Australia on Wednesday night.

Releasing a joint statement on Facebook following the meeting, fans expressed their pleasure with negotiating the implementation of a “fair and equitable (appeals) system”.

“The minimum requirements of those systems have been agreed to, with the finer details to be finalised shortly,” read Sydney FC’s the Cove statement, with similar being issued by the major fan groups.

“There has also been an unequivocal commitment by the FFA to defend football and it’s fans.”

The statement added: “For now, we will return to the terrace this weekend and do what we do best. Support our team unconditionally.”

The date for the proposals to be officially ratified is at the next FFA board meeting, to be held on 19 February 2016.

The empty seats usual filled with the RBB supporter base.

THE JOINT STATEMENT IN FULL:

The Cove confirms that the proposed meeting between the FFA and representatives from each active supporter group took place last night.

The purpose of this meeting was to negotiate the implementation of a fair and equitable system which provides fans with;

a) Access to all evidence on which the FFA intends to rely on in any ban process; and

b) Access to an appeals process independent of the FFA

The Cove can confirm that as a result of that meeting, the FFA has agreed to implement satisfactory systems by no later than 19th February 2016, to coincide with the announcement of the Whole of Football Plan.

The minimum requirements of those systems have been agreed to, with the finer details to be finalised shortly. There has also been an unequivocal commitment by the FFA to defend football and it’s fans.

The FFA have also committed to providing active supporter groups with details of arrangements it has with third party security service providers.

It is on this basis, and provided of course, that the FFA formally implements these systems, that The Cove has agreed to temporarily suspend fan boycotts.

Make no mistake, in the event that the FFA fails in meeting these commitments by the 19th February 2016, the The Cove will take all necessary steps to hold it accountable.

For now, we will return to the terrace this weekend and do what we do best. Support our team unconditionally.

Originally published as FFA, fan boycott: Agreement reached as active supporters decide to end boycott following meeting