By David Gold
March 13 – The new Football Australia (FA) organisation set up by Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer (pictured) is to conduct an Australia-wide public Commission of Inquiry.
Palmer set up the new body to rival Football Federation Australia (FFA) after he had his licence to field Gold Coast United in the A-League revoked from next season.
The licence was rescinded following a public dispute between Palmer and the A-League, which culminated in Gold Coast apparently breaking the league’s rules.
At a recent league game they wore shirts featuring the slogan “freedom of speech” in place of their usual sponsor, also emblazing the statement around their stadium, which the FFA ruled was a breach of regulations.
Archie Fraser, the chief executive of the FA, announced at a press conference that they would be holding hearings from April 10 as they investigate ways in which to improve the sport’s governance and administration in Australia.
“The support for Football Australia has been overwhelming and we have received expressions of interest from around the country,” Fraser said in a statement.
“In response, we have decided to launch a national commission of inquiry and we invite all stakeholders in the game to forward submissions.
“The feedback we have received reflects the disenchantment within grassroots football people about how the game has been managed by the Football Federation Australia.
“We have pledged to ensure the game is operated with transparency, fairness and good corporate governance, and this Public Commission of Inquiry is part of that process.”
It was also confirmed that the Commission would be headed up by former Football Federation of South Australia (FFSA) President Gary Collis, with ex-Gold Coast player Steve Fitzsimmons as its secretary.
The new FA is hoping to attract support from those disenchanted with the current state of Australian football, the national team and A-League.
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