Conroy and Nikou in tight fight for FFA board spot

Stephen Conroy and Chris Nikou are believed to be locked in an intense battle for the final spot on the FFA board.

Former Communications Minister Stephen Conroy. Picture: David Geraghty

Stephen Conroy and Chris Nikou — the two men who could potentially be the head of Australian soccer later today — are believed to be locked in an intense battle for the final spot on the board of Football Federation Australia.

The Australian understands member federations and the A-League clubs are fragmented and have split into two camps ahead of the annual general meeting this afternoon that will elect four new board members. The new board will then meet to elect the successor to outgoing chairman, Steven Lowy.

According to an insider, three contenders — Remo Nogarotto, Heather Reid and Joseph Carrozzi — are a “lay down misere” to be elected, leaving one spot to decide.

It is understood there have been several meetings among the voters over the past 48 hours and they will continue, quite possibly, until this morning.

“There is plenty of lobbying going on and it really is too close to call,” the insider told The Australian yesterday. “This is a moving feast because there are meetings going on all over the place.”

Former Labor communications minister Conroy and Nikou, who is up for re-election to the FFA board, are among 10 nominations for the four positions. The others are Nogarotto, Reid, Carrozzi, Mark Shield, Morry Bailes, Danny Moulis, Linda Norquay and Mark Randell.

While it is understood the A-League clubs reached consensus on Nogarotto, Reid and Carrozzi as preferred options, that is not the case with Nikou and Conroy.

The Big Three of Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Western Sydney are believed to have thrown their weight behind Nikou while Melbourne City, Perth Glory, Central Coast Mariners, Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets are all believed to be supporting Conroy.

It is unclear how Adelaide United will vote as there are some suggestions they have given their proxy vote to Melbourne Victory.

Professional Footballers Australia are expected to support Nikou while at member federation level, the smaller states have no love for Nikou and are reportedly behind Conroy.

If Conroy or Nikou miss out, it would not be the end of the road for them as the new board has the power to co-opt three directors.

There is also no guarantee either would be elected to the chair if they win a spot on the board given there is strong support for Carrozzi, who is managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and is well connected in the business and government worlds.

Under FFA’s new voting congress, there will be 100 votes cast with the nine Australian-based A-League clubs having 28 votes all up. The nine-member federations have 55 votes and the PFA seven.

The wildcard is the 10-person Women’s Council, who yesterday appointed Ros Mariarty as the chair. The council has 10 votes.

Former head of FFA corporate affairs and communications Bonita Mersiades had been up for election as the independent chair however, she faced an uphill battle given she did not have the support of Football NSW.