Football Australia introduces new independent review process

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Football Australia have announced the development of an independent complaint management process to enable current and former footballers and staff to bring forward concerns about alleged abuse, harassment or bullying in relation to Football Australia’s national teams and the A-Leagues.

Under the agreement, Sport Integrity Australia will receive, assess, and manage all complaints, ensuring all concerns are heard and assessed independent of Football Australia. Details are expected to be available in the coming weeks.

The National Sports Tribunal will have jurisdiction to hear any disputes that fall within the scope of the complaints process, through mediation, conciliation, or arbitration.

Football Australia initiated discussions with SIA with a view to establishing an independent mechanism to supplement the governing body’s complaint handling process under its Member Protection Framework.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson outlined that his organisation treated matters of abuse seriously and had a “zero tolerance” approach.

“The wellbeing of our diverse community is our priority, and we’re committed to safe, inclusive environments for all footballers and staff. There is no place for abuse, harassment or bullying in our sport and it’s incumbent on organisations like ours to take the lead when it comes to dealing with these issues head-on,” he said”

“We understand that society’s expectations have shifted, and it’s vital that our sport reflects those expectations. With this in mind, we approached Sport Integrity Australia recently and we’re pleased with this timely announcement that the proposed process will enable anyone with concerns to come forward, with the confidence that their concerns will be heard and assessed independently.”

Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe addressed the importance for complaints to be handled outside an individual sport.

“I welcome the proactive approach from FA to address these issues independently. Having an independent body to hear complaints is critical to giving athletes and staff confidence that their concerns will be heard openly and that they will be treated fairly. Nothing can be swept under the carpet,” he said

John Boultbee, CEO of the National Sports Tribunal, added: “The involvement of the independent National Sports Tribunal as the ultimate appeal body, ensures those concerned are provided the most independent and thorough processes from the time of the complaint through to its ultimate resolution.”

Further details regarding the process, scope and timeframe will be available in the coming weeks.

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Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

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Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

Illegal streaming concerns raised as drone halts Arsenal, Fleetwood Town fixture

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Image Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal and Fleetwood Town’s Carabao Cup match was stopped for approximately eight minutes on Tuesday after a drone was seen above the League Two side’s stadium.

Referee Michael Salisbury stopped the game less than two minutes in as a drone was spotted flying above the pitch. After halting play and explaining the situation to the mangers, the players tried to stay warm as fans booed during during the eight minute interval.

Since the 2023-24 season the English Football League (EFL) has had a policy on drones. Besides the obvious safety concerns, there is also the chance of the match being funnelled to illegal streams. This chance of a stain blemishing the ‘product’ is taken extremely seriously.

In response to the situation The Football Association (FA) stated, ‘The referee should stop the game and advise both team captains and managers that play will not continue until the drone has passed, or left the vicinity of the players and spectators.’

If the drone doesn’t leave, the guidelines suggest both teams return to the changing rooms to await a decision moving forward. During and after an incident with a drone at a game, the club are guided to work closely with local law enforcement and match officials. These engagements are to determine whether the drone posses any public safety concerns or if it is being used with criminal intent.

The game was promptly resumed after the drone left the vicinity and returned to the ground at a nearby housing estate. 

Fleetwood Town, who sit 18th in League Two, went on to produce the biggest result in their club history to knock the Premier League champions out of the cup on penalties. 

According to Sky Sports, Lancashire Police have since seized a drone that they believed was flying over the ground and have taken a man into questioning. The legal outcome will shortly follow, but the EFL have made a strong indirect statement on how much they value their product and the rights to it.

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