Wilkie pushes A-League bid

I NDEPENDENT Denison MP Andrew Wilkie has used Federal Parliament to call on the Tasmanian Government to back the state’s A-League push and commit to a rectangular stadium.

Football Federation Australia is looking to expand the national A-League competition by the 2019-20 season and is currently assessing 15 applications — including a Tasmanian bid backed by Melbourne millionaires Robert Belteky and Harry Stamoulis.

The FFA will announce a short-list soon.

One of the few holes in the state’s bid is the lack of a purpose-built rectangular stadium, but it is believed the Tasmanian application includes building one, part-financed by Mr Belteky and Mr Stamoulis.

Mr Wilkie, who has spoken to the two backers a number of times, said now was the time for the State Government to show its support.

“Of course the Tasmanian Government has an important role to play here,” Mr Wilkie said.

“The Premier [Will Hodgman] needs to commit publicly to supporting not only a Hobart A-League team, but also a purpose-built rectangular soccer stadium in the city.

“I’ve also taken this proposal to the PM who seemed genuinely interested, though he also needs to commit publicly to support a Hobart ALeague team.

“Let’s hope that politicians and the FFA see the benefits of a Tasmanian team and what that will do for Tasmania, and for football.”

Mr Hodgman said: “The Tasmanian Government has been working with the proponents and other stakeholders for some time on the opportunities for A-league in Tasmania.”

“My government already has a strong track record for investing in sports, and sporting infrastructure.”