The Footballing Figures Recognised in January 26 Honours List

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Football Australia

In an announcement made on Monday, four individuals were celebrated in the January 26 Honours List for their respective services to the football industry in Australia. 

The cohort included Football Tasmania CEO, Tony Pignata, PFA Founder and former CEO, Brendan Schwab, former Football Australia CEO, Ian Holmes and former player and Matildas’ manager, Alen Stajcic. 

 

Leaders of Australia’s football landscape

Tony Pignata

Recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is Football Tasmania CEO, Tony Pignata. 

From beginnings as a player for Box Hill Inter, to several leadership roles with clubs like Wellington Phoenix, Sydney FC and Perth Glory, Pignata has dedicated his life to the game. Since 2023, he has led Football Tasmania and helped to develop high-performance pathways and expand participation to ensure football has a long-term future in the region. 

Brendan Schwab

PFA Founder and former CEO, Brendan Schwab, was recognised with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM). 

Schwab’s contributions to football are undeniable, not only as a key figure in the creation of the PFA in 1993 and the A-League, but as an accomplished lawyer who advocated for Australian footballers on the global stage. As a Football Australia Hall of Fame Inductee and PFA Champion, Schwab has undoubtedly woven his name into the fabric of Australia’s football industry. 

Ian Holmes

Former Football Australia CEO, Ian Holmes, was another recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). 

With contributions to football in Australia spanning five decades, Holmes stands as an essential figure in the industry. His work has covered various levels of the game, including as President of New South Wales Amateur Soccer Federation, Football Australia CEO, and Director of Football New South Wales. His leadership and commitment has been pivotal to the growth of football at state and national levels. 

Alen Stajcic

Former player and football manager, Alen Stajcic, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services as a coach. 

In both the men’s and women’s game, Stajcic has forged a successful record on the international stage for the Matildas and the Philippine Women’s National team, as well as at club level for Sydney FC, Central Coast Mariners, Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers. As Head Coach from 2014-2019, Stajcic helped the Matildas reach new heights on the pitch and thus pave the way for the development of the women’s game across the nation. 

 

Acknowledging dedication and commitment 

Whether in Australia or beyond, the football industry can be an unforgiving and ruthless sphere in which to work. This is why recognising the people who have made valuable contributions to the nation’s footballing landscape is so important. Through consistent hard work and commitment, they collectively helped to bring the football industry in Australia to where it is today. 

While development is constant and improvements can always be made, it is reassuring to know that the foundations were built with the help of four dedicated individuals deservedly recognised in this year’s January 26 Honours List.

 

See the full 26 January Honours List here.

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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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