Football Tasmania welcomes funding increase from state government

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Football Tasmania has welcomed an increase in annual operational funding from the state government.

The funding will put football’s share of the pie on par with other major sports in the state, including cricket and Australian rules.

The figure is reported to be $500,000 per year.

“On behalf of the entire football community I would like to thank the Government for recognising the benefits the world game brings to Tasmania and giving football a fair go,” FT CEO Matt Bulkeley said.

“Official Sport Australia statistics show close to 40,000 Tasmanians play football each year, and EMRS polling reveals one-in-five Tasmanian households are directly involved in the world game.

“As Tasmania’s most played team sport, it’s great to see football receive a fairer level of government funding in line with other major codes.

“Football has always been an important part of the community, but what we’ve seen in recent years is an explosion in participation numbers, putting us at a disadvantage compared to other sports when it comes to providing everything our large player base needs.

“This funding will put us in a better position to make sure anyone who wants to play football can play, increasing opportunities for Tasmanians to enjoy a healthy and connected life through sport.”

Mr Bulkeley explained that the funding announcement has come at an exciting stage for football in Tasmania, with the possibility of training camps and matches to be held in Launceston for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

“Women’s football has a strong history in Tasmania, and thanks to the hard work of so many dedicated individuals across the state, continues to thrive,” he said.

“Being able to put our best foot forward as we prepare for having elite football on our shores will help us maximise the legacy benefit an event like the World Cup could bring to Tasmania, especially for women and girls.

“Ultimately, this will assist Football Tasmania to reach our long-term goal of achieving a fifty-fifty participation split between male and female players and complete gender equality in football, cementing the world game’s place as Tasmania’s game.”

 

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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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