Football NSW appoints John Tsatsimas as CEO

Liam Watson
John Tsatsimas
Image via AETOS partnership

Football NSW has announced John Tsatsimas as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Tsatsimas is an experienced football administrator who is known for his work as CEO with the Newcastle Jets and most recently Western Sydney Wanderers – before his new upcoming role with Football NSW.

He joins with a wealth of understanding in the NSW and Australian footballing landscape, which solidifies his place as the person to lead Football NSW – especially with the recent release of their Strategic Plan 2023-2026.

Tsatsimas’ passion for football started at an early age with Parramatta City Football Club, before undertaking a range of playing, coaching and administration roles with various associations and NPL NSW clubs.

His tenure at WSW involved being the Foundation General Manager, Chief Operating Officer and CEO. Tsatsimas has also spent time in a consultant role with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), adding to his all-round knowledge of the game.

Tsatsimas expressed his gratitude to lead Football NSW.

“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed CEO and am eager to begin engaging and working collaboratively with the various stakeholders that form part of the wider Football NSW family,” he said in a statement.

“The organisation is guided by an outstanding Board who brings a diverse array of talents and experiences, while sharing a deep love for the game. Just as importantly, they have an aligned vision for where the sport needs to move towards.

“It is vitally important that football in NSW remains aspirational, inclusive for all, and that Football NSW, as a governing body, is constantly progressing.

“I look forward to working closely with the staff, Chair Gilbert Lorquet, and the Football NSW Board to ensure we can make significant progress off the back of some exciting times ahead for the sport.”

Football NSW Chair Gilbert Lorquet was thrilled with the new appointment.

“John is an innovator and a visionary, and I am delighted he will be joining Football NSW as the new CEO,” he said via press release.

“He will add tremendous value as a leader, building on our purpose of facilitating the best experience for all, and delivering on our mission to lead and support the growth of football across all cultures and communities.”

Tsatsimas will commence his new role on Monday, December 5, 2022 – replacing outgoing CEO Stuart Hodge.

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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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