By David Gold
August 21 – Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive Ben Buckley will leave his role following the conclusion of negotiations for a new broadcast deal.
The negotiations will conclude in two months, and Buckley (pictured top) will then be replaced by David Gallop (pictured below), the former chief executive of the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Rugby League Commission.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy revealed that Buckley discussed moving on from his role earlier this year.
“The broadcast deal is at the heart of the future of football in this country and it has been the most critical aspect of my work for the past 18 months,” said Buckley.
“I told the chairman some time ago I was determined to negotiate the best possible deal to underpin the future growth of the game but that once done I would like to work with the board to identify a successor.”
Frank Lowy, the FFA chairman, explained: “These discussions created the opportunity for us to consider Mr Gallop as a successor to Ben.
“Ben has worked tirelessly for football both at home and abroad and has steered the game through a difficult period of consolidation.
“He has the respect and thanks of the board for his contribution and he will remain a valued friend of the game.
“I wish him well for the future.”
Buckley had been with the FFA since 2006 and played a significant role in Australia’s ultimately failed bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He has been pivotal to the growth of the A-League and has endured a challenging year following the expulsion from the league of Gold Coast United.
Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer became embroiled in a war of words with the FFA last year, and although Newcastle Jets also threatened to leave the league, following discussions they remained part of the 10-team competition.
The FFA also launched a new team in West Sydney earlier this year to replace Gold Coast.
Of Buckley’s successor, Lowy added: “Mr Gallop comes to the job well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
“He is an experienced sports administrator of high standing and is widely respected across all sports.”
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