Football Queensland adds new team members to meet 50/50 participation target

Staff Writer
Football Queensland
Image credit: Chris Simpson via Flickr

Football Queensland has confirmed the appointment of three new team members to maintain commitment towards achieving 50/50 gender parity of participants by 2027.

Three new team members have been added in the role of Officer – Participation (Women and Girls) as part of the expansion of Football Queensland’s Game Development team.

These appointments have seen Leah Gubb join the team from the Northern region, while the two other new members, Sophia Stathoulis and Jess Austin, commence in the roles at Football Queensland’s Meakin Park headquarters to provide a brand new level of support for clubs and participants across every region. 

“2023 is an incredibly exciting year for women’s football with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 coming to our state, and the introduction of new roles such as these will prepare Football Queensland to meet the increasing demand of the rapidly growing women and girls participation base,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said via press release. 

“Expanding the Game Development team with a particular focus on female participation will allow us to continue to build upon the successes from the past and strive towards our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan target of reaching 50/50 gender parity by 2027.” 

Football Queensland Senior Manager – Game Development Kate Lawson, is excited to see the team expansion and the key part the trio will play in strengthening Football Queensland’s support of clubs, namely for the Be23Ready initiative alongside the state-wide rollout of the Girls United program. 

“These new team members will have a focus on female participation and the planning and facilitation of programs throughout Queensland, including MiniRoos, holiday clinics, Walking Football, and school and diversity programs,” Lawson added via press release. 

“With each of them starting on the field before progressing to these administrative roles, the appointments of Leah, Sophia and Jess are a fantastic example of where the game can take you, and we’re confident that they’ll bring great experience and knowledge to the roles.” 

With the Women’s World Cup on the horizon, now is the time to capitalise on potential participation growth, which is set to boom from this major event.

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APL and PFA remain without agreement as bargaining tensions continue

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Image Credit: A-Leagues

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) remain without a new collective bargaining agreement, with negotiations continuing less than three months before the start of the 2026–27 A-Leagues season.

The APL presented the players’ union with a new one-year interim proposal on August 5, which included an increase to the A-League Women salary cap and a commitment to establish a pathway towards full-time professionalism for the women’s competition within 12 months.

The proposed agreement would provide an interim framework while the two parties continue discussions over a longer-term collective bargaining agreement.

APL chief executive Steve Rosich said the proposal reflected the league’s commitment to reaching a sustainable agreement with players following eight months of negotiations.

However, the PFA criticised the APL for publicly announcing the proposal shortly after presenting it to the union, arguing that the approach had further damaged trust between the two parties.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch also said players had overwhelmingly rejected the APL’s previous final offer, citing a lack of trust in the league’s ability to ensure its future.

Full-time professionalism for the A-League Women remains a key priority for the PFA, with players seeking improved conditions and greater investment in the competition.

The A-League Men and A-League Women seasons are both scheduled to begin on 16 October 2026.

With the new season approaching, both parties face pressure to resolve the dispute and establish the framework governing player conditions across the A-Leagues.

 

 

Jeff Bezos consortium set for $2.7 billion Liverpool investment

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Image Credits: Fortune

Liverpool could soon welcome one of the world’s richest men into its ownership structure.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium in advanced talks to buy a 30% stake in the club.

The proposed deal values Liverpool at around $8.6 billion (4.5 billion pounds). Bezos has a personal fortune estimated at $363 billion.

The investment would give Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a major financial return. It would also allow FSG to keep control of the club, which they bought in 2010.

The proposal has attracted attention across football. It has also created concern among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

FSG set for major return

FSG bought Liverpool for $573 million (300 million pounds) in 2010. The ownership group later provided further funding through loans. In the last 16 years, the club has undergone major growth.

Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. The club also won the Champions League in 2019. Another Premier League title followed in 2025.

Stadium redevelopment and a new training centre have also increased the club’s value. FSG could cash in on $2.7 billion (1.4 billion pounds) if the 30% share is sold.

The deal would therefore represent a huge return on its original investment. However, whilst the investment would provide a massive cash out for the owners of Liverpool, due to Financial Fair Play there won’t be increased investment in the transfer market.

Why Bezos wants Liverpool

Bezos has explored sports investments before. He has been linked with major American franchises such as the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks.

Liverpool would give him a stake in one of football’s biggest global brands. The club also has a large following in the United States. The New York Times has also reported Liverpool has 26 million fans in America.

That makes the investment attractive for investors looking to expand their reach in global sport. American businessmen Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia are also reportedly involved in the consortium.

The deal would add to the growing American influence across English football.

Fans remain cautious

Liverpool supporters have not automatically welcomed the proposal.

The club’s previous experience under Tom Hicks and George Gillett still influences the fanbase.

Supporters also want greater clarity over the consortium’s intentions. Questions remain over board representation, control and the long-term purpose of the investment.

For many fans, ownership must involve more than financial ambition. The Bezos proposal could strengthen Liverpool’s commercial position. It could also deliver a huge payday for FSG.

But until the consortium reveals more about its plans, supporters are likely to treat the deal with scepticism.

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