Members of Australia’s football family honoured for Queen’s Birthday

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This year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List saw 1190 exemplary Australians recognised for their outstanding contributions, with four significant figures of Australian football receiving Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) merits.

Former Socceroo star Robbie Slater, former Sutherland Sharks President George Hurley, Football Australia board member Joseph Carrozzi and former Marconi Stallions star Eddie Krncevic were each awarded OAM’s.

Slater, originally born in Lancashire, England, came to Australia and made a name for himself after kicking off his footballing career with St George Saints and Sydney Croatia before moving abroad to take on an incredible journey through the top tier leagues in European football.

The 56-year-old played in Belgium, France and England, where his tenure with the infamous Blackburn Rovers saw him become an English Premier League Champion in the 1994/95 season. In addition, Slater represented the Socceroos 44 times and upon his retirement became an analyst and commentator for Fox Sports.

Football NSW also have a medal in Slater’s honour with every National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Grand Final Man of the Match award named after him.

The 84-year-old Hurley, a former complex manager at Seymour Shaw Park, coached local teams Engadine, Heathcote, Miranda and Kirrawee in the Sutherland Shire Football Association.

A veritable ‘football man’ at heart, the former Sutherland Shire Councillor has served on more than 30 committees and devoted his entire time to the world game at both Community and NPL level.

Hurley, a life member at the Sutherland Sharks Football club since 1959, played football himself against Fiji in front of 4000 spectators at Seymour Shaw in 1969. Moreover, Hurley served various positions at the Sharks as President and is currently Vice-President and General Manager of the club in addition to founding an education and training scholarship which saw young footballers in the Shire area head overseas.

A major lover of football and significant contributor to the development of the Western Sydney region, Carrozzi was recognised for his significant service to business and to the community through multicultural and not-for-profit organisations.

Krncevic, a lifetime servant of football, was recognised for his undivided loyalty and dedication to the world game. He was the first Australian to play in Europe and the first Australian-born player to be top goal scorer for a European league at Anderlecht – Belgian First Division A in the 1988/89 season.

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Premier League clubs record huge losses despite record revenue

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Image Credits: Arsenal FC

A report from Deloitte says Premier League clubs are facing a growing financial challenge after combined pre-tax losses reached $1.8 billion (948 million pounds) in the 2024-25 season.

The figure marks a huge rise from the $258 million (135 million pounds) recorded the previous season. It comes despite clubs generating record revenue of $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds).

Revenue keeps rising

Premier League clubs increased their revenue by 8% during the season. Commercial income and matchday revenue both climbed. Broadcast income also increased. But higher revenue has not translated into stronger profits.

Wage costs rose by $730 million (381 million pounds). Player transfers also played a major role in the rise in losses. Only eight clubs reported an operating profit. That was down from 13 clubs the season before.

Spending drives losses

Transfer spending remains one of the biggest pressures on Premier League finances. Clubs continue to invest heavily to compete for trophies and European places. But those costs can quickly outweigh the extra revenue generated by success.

Net debt also increased. It reached $6.9 billion (3.6 billion pounds) in 2024-25. That was up from the previous season.

The financial pressure is not limited to the Premier League. Only three Championship clubs in the second tier reported a profit.

A warning for English football

The Premier League remains the financial powerhouse of English football. Its clubs generated $13 billion (6.8 billion pounds) in revenue. The Championship generated $1.8 billion (942 million pounds).

But Deloitte warned that football cannot rely on simply adding more matches to create future growth.

European competitions have expanded. The international calendar has also become more crowded. Yet there are concerns that the market could become saturated.

Clubs face tougher choices

The figures highlight a difficult balance for Premier League clubs. They need to spend to remain competitive. But rising wages, transfer fees and debt are putting greater pressure on their finances.

New regulations will also change how clubs manage their spending from 2026 onwards. The focus is now shifting towards sustainable growth and stronger commercial income.

The Premier League remains the richest domestic league in Europe. But these figures show that wealth does not guarantee profit.

For clubs across England’s top flight, financial discipline is becoming just as important as success on the pitch.

NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

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Image Credit: Football Australia

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

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