FFA to argue against change imposed by FIFA and Asia

Football Federation Australia says it is ready to argue against moves to force it into constitutional change.

Football Federation Australia says it is ready to argue against changes to its constitution that could give A-League clubs and member federations more say in running the sport.

As revealed by The Australian yesterday, the nation’s controlling body is facing a test of wills with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation who are sending a delegation to Sydney for meetings on September 21 and 22.

The fact-finding mission will focus on issues concerning FFA’s constitution. FIFA and the AFC want FFA to fall into line with the FIFA statutes that are applied to other member associations around the world.

They want “elite football” in Australia — that is the clubs and federations — to have greater input into the professional game, while promotion and relegation is also on the agenda.

It is all part of a 12-month process in which FFA has already made some changes to its constitution.

FFA confirmed yesterday the matter has been ongoing and appears adamant it won’t compromise on the independence of its board.

“The process started over a year ago and is part of FIFA’s normal interaction with all member associations,’’ an FFA statement said.

“FFA will address questions or inquiries that FIFA may have during those meetings.

“While we are open to genuine improvements to our governance structure there are elements such as a truly independent board of directors that we see as fundamental to the continued growth of our sport for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

However, FFA’s stance could be dangerous given FIFA has the power to act and possibly impose stiff penalties, including bans and even FFA’s expulsion from the world body.

The situation comes amid suggestions A-League clubs are considering boycotting an FFA social gathering for the visiting delegations in Sydney on September 21.

The clubs will be closely watching developments, as the relationship between their owners and FFA has been strained for sometime. The clubs are unhappy that the A-League generates as much as 80 per cent of FFA’s revenue yet they have little power in its running.

They have been agitating for the formation of a separate body — an independent commission — to run the A-League, as is the case with the AFL and NRL.

A number of state federations are also disillusioned with what they say are the autocratic ways of FFA. They were unhappy with how FFA ran the election last year that saw Steven Lowy elected unopposed to replace his father, Frank, as chairman.

Replacements for vice-chairman Brian Schwartz and board member Phil Wolanski were also elected unopposed.

At the time, the state federations were encouraged not to put up candidates for all three positions. The A-League clubs attempted to run a candidate but could not get two seconders.

It is understood eyebrows were raised at FIFA and the AFC over the election process.