Dan Birrell Confirmed as Football Victoria CEO

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Image Credit: Football Victoria

Football Victoria (FV) has officially appointed Dan Birrell as its Chief Executive Officer following a competitive national recruitment process.

Birrell has served as Interim CEO since March 2025, during which time he delivered significant improvements across both the organisation and the wider football community.

His leadership over the past six months has been credited with reshaping internal culture, strengthening stakeholder relationships and aligning day-to-day operations with FV’s long-term strategic plan.

Before stepping into the interim role, Birrell was a senior member of FV’s executive team with responsibility for Football Operations. His previous positions within the organisation have included oversight of commercial programs, refereeing, coaching, high-performance initiatives and player pathways, giving him an extensive understanding of Victorian football.

The FV Board confirmed that the decision followed a rigorous process managed by an independent agency and drew a strong field of qualified candidates.

Birrell’s appointment provides continuity and stability as FV continues to deliver on its strategic goals and support the game’s rapid growth across the state.

Dan Birrell expressed his excitement and pride in his own appointment after hard work behind the scenes in recent months.

“It is an immense privilege to lead Football Victoria,” he said in a press release.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together over the past six months, and I look forward to continuing to work with staff, clubs, government and partners to build an even stronger, more united football community.

“Football is the most inclusive and accessible sport in Victoria, and I am committed to ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Birrell joined Soccerscene for an episode on the Off the Pitch Podcast whilst he was interim CEO, where he discussed topics like the cost barrier for juniors, marketing the NPL better in this state, and ensuring more stability in the organisation.

It will be interesting to see how he implements the many different plans he has discussed and with his experience in football operations, he can drive a bigger change on the pitch than we have seen before with previous CEO’s

Click below to listen to Birrell speak about his plans for Football Victoria on Episode 11 of the Off the pitch Podcast, which is available on all major podcasting platforms.

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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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