FFA says spending cuts are cyclical

FOOTBALL Federation Australia has defended its decision to slash all Futsalroos funding for the next year, calling the unpopular move a “necessary short-term measure” amid wider cost-cutting.

Players and staff of the national team program have been told they will receive no funding from FFA for the 2017-18 financial year.

It means the Futsalroos will not be able to compete in November’s AFF Futsal Championship in Vietnam, nor can they qualify for the 2018 AFC Futsal Championship.

The decision has elicited stiff criticism, especially given the program acted as a developmental pathway for Socceroos and Celtic star Tom Rogic.

FFA said it intended to resume the program in 2017-18, when Australia would attempt to qualify for the 2020 Futsal World Cup.

“Football Federation Australia understands the disappointment around the temporary suspension of the Futsalroos program for the 2017-18 financial year,” it said in a statement.

“This is a necessary shortterm measure, taken reluctantly, and part of a much wider range of spending cuts.

“These spending cuts in part reflect the cyclical nature of FFA revenue and are necessary to balance the FFA’s budget while also providing an increase in funding for the Hyundai A-League clubs and the Westfield W-League.

“The Hyundai A-League is a strategic priority for FFA because it is a key element in growing the commercial value of football in Australia.” FFA said a new A-League operating model was critical to gaining sufficient commercial expansion that “will underpin community football programs and our national teams”.