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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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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Image Credit: Stan

German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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