Soccer: Draw to decide where FFA Cup final is played

The location of this year’s FFA Cup final will be determined through a live draw

A draw will now be used to decide where the FFA Cup final is played

The location of this year’s FFA Cup final will be determined through a live draw, with the decision taken out of the hands of Football Federation Australia.

Previously, FFA has had the final say on where the knockout tournament’s deciding match is played, basing their decisions on a range of factors including finances and broadcaster demands.

It has often led to controversy, with Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow accusing the governing body of putting profit ahead of fairness by handing the 2016 Cup final hosting rights to Melbourne City.

Perth Glory, meanwhile, made the final in the tournament’s first two years but had to travel to the other side of the country on both occasions.

After four years of outcry from clubs and supporters, FFA has bowed to pressure and brought in a “live draw” system that will see hosting rights essentially assigned at random.

The draw will occur after the FFA Cup semi-finals, with the two teams who reach the decider given an even chance — provided there is at least one “suitable venue” in the city where they are based. Once the city is determined, FFA will use “suitability criteria” to select the most appropriate venue.

“FFA Cup fans have been calling for a process to determine the host city for the FFA Cup final, so we are delighted that this year we have been able to work with A-League clubs and member federations to achieve this positive outcome,” said FFA’s head of leagues Greg O’Rourke.

There have been two other tweaks made to the FFA Cup’s regulations. Teams competing in the final rounds will be permitted to use a fourth substitute if their match goes into extra-time.

Match officials will also be able to issue coaches with yellow and red cards in FFA Cup games, bringing the tournament in line with the A-League.

Meanwhile, experienced defender Laura Alleway has replaced Steph Catley in the Matildas’ Tournament of Nations squad currently in the US. Catley has withdrawn from the squad due to family reasons.

Alleway, who has 55 Matildas caps, linked up with her teammates in Kansas City as they prepare to defend their Tournament of Nations crown against Brazil, the US and Japan.

AAP