Football Queensland to step up initiatives to safeguard child participants

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Football Queensland have reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children by strengthening measures across the state, through a variety of member protection initiatives.

A ‘No Badge, No Bench, No Ref Room’ policy will be implemented state-wide across all competitions in 2021, to ensure there is a consistent approach to coach identification and registrations across Queensland.

“As the largest club-based participation sport, we have a responsibility to protect the thousands of children who play our game across the state, and the introduction of the ‘No Badge, No Bench, No Ref Room’ policy will be crucial in supporting the safeguarding children measures currently in place in Queensland,” FQ President Ben Richardson said.

“Football Queensland is committed to delivering high-quality participation experiences for all involved in our game as outlined in our Strategic Plan, and this state-wide initiative will be key to ensuring all coaches at every level of the game are registered and hold a current blue card.”

“Football Queensland is proud to support our zones and clubs across the state as we implement a range of new member protection processes this year,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.

“In 2021, all registered coaches in Queensland will be required to display an ‘official’ identification pass with their blue card and Football Australia numbers, with zones continuing to manage the coach registration and identification pass process this year.

“In line with our Strategic Plan which outlines a focus on streamlining administrative processes to improve efficiencies, from 2022 Football Queensland will implement and administer a consistent coach identification process across all zones.

“I can’t emphasise enough the importance of these measures. The ‘No Badge, No Bench, No Ref Room’ policy will provide increased visibility and reassurance for parents and participants by clearly identifying registered coaches and will give them surety in knowing that the individual possesses a valid blue card.

“Reflecting our commitment to providing increased support for our clubs across the state, Football Queensland has also developed a number of club support resources including a Working with Children Club Guide to assist clubs in managing and monitoring blue card checks for club coaches.”

FQ’s Working with Children Club Guide will be published in the coming weeks.

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Manchester City Charges Put Financial Governance Under Spotlight

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Manchester City’s reported guilty verdict on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges has created a major business and administration challenge for the club. An independent commission reportedly reached its findings after a lengthy hearing into alleged financial-rule breaches between 2009 and 2018 last week.

The Premier League has not confirmed the verdict publicly, while City says the process remains ongoing and is expected to appeal. The next decision could have significant financial consequences.

No punishment has been announced; however, potential sanctions include a points deduction, financial penalties and/or expulsion from the Premier League, all of which would have significant and varied financial impact. The club must continue operating while it awaits the commission’s full decision and any appeal process, which could affect recruitment, player contracts, budgets and long-term investment decisions.

City generates substantial income through broadcasting, commercial partnerships and matchday operations – as of 2026, Manchester City’s revenue sits at $1.56 billion (894 million pounds). A significant change to the club’s Premier League status could therefore affect several revenue streams at once.

Commercial partners will also be watching the next weeks closely, and must assess how any sanction could affect their association with the club. City’s global commercial operation has become an important part of its business model during its period of sustained success. Other Premier League clubs have discussed potential compensation claims linked to the alleged breaches. Any successful claims would create another financial liability for City beyond a league sanction.

City has consistently denied wrongdoing and says it has respected due process, and its expected appeal means the forthcoming sanctions may not represent the final outcome. That leaves the club managing two priorities at once: defending its position through the regulatory process, and protecting its commercial and operational stability.

For the Premier League, the case also tests the strength of its financial regulations. The final sanction, and any appeal that follows, will shape the financial and administrative consequences for Manchester City and could influence how clubs approach financial compliance in the future.

Queensland Football Convention adds high-profile speakers to 2026 lineup

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

The 2026 Queensland Football Convention has expanded its speaker lineup. Robbie Kruse, Emma McKeon, Jon Moss and Tony Wilson are joining previously confirmed headliner Mark Bosnich. The four new additions will bring experience from football, elite sport, refereeing and high performance to the two-day convention at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 10th and 11th of October.

Bosnich was announced in August as the event’s featured speaker. The former Socceroo and Premier League goalkeeper will take part in an exclusive Q&A covering his career, life in football and the pathways available to Australia’s next generation of players. Robbie Kruse adds another strong football voice to the program. Queensland’s most-capped Socceroo will share lessons from a career that took him from local football to the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Now working in coaching and player development, Kruse will focus on pathways, talent development and the challenge of making the step into elite football.

McKeon – Australia’s most decorated Olympian – will bring a different perspective in exploring the principles behind high performance. Her session will cover teamwork, resilience, goal setting and the value of small improvements when competing at the highest level.

Former Premier League referee and current-Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss will also return, examining the relationship between coaches and match officials. He will focus on communication, mutual respect and collaboration, while also looking at the future of refereeing in Australia and the role coaches and clubs can play in supporting officials.

Tony Wilson, founder of Performance Lab, completes the newly announced group. As keynote speaker, Wilson will examine mindset, leadership, culture and resilience, drawing on his work with elite athletes, teams and organisations across Australia and the United States. The expanded program gives coaches, administrators and football professionals access to perspectives from across the sporting landscape.

The Queensland Football Convention will take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The convention takes place from the 9th to the 11th of October.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 Queensland Football Convention, click the link here.

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