Sydney finales locked in despite criticism

A-LEAGUE officials won’t budge on their decision to sell the grand final to Sydney despite overwhelming criticism from clubs and fans.

Australian Professional Leagues chairman and Western Sydney Wanderers coowner Paul Lederer released a statement late on Tuesday night to confirm that the APL board had met to “reaffirm” its support of a three-year deal – understood to be worth about $20m – with Destination New South Wales for the A-League men’s and women’s grand finals to be played in Sydney.

“As a result of the consensus achieved in this meeting, APL is committed to this new and significant partnership and the resulting generation of important new funds for football, all of which will be invested into the growth of the game,” Lederer said. “We believe in the potential for Australian football to close the gap on professional football in other parts of the world. We thank DNSW for sharing in that belief and our strategy to continue to grow the Australian professional game.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro resigned from his role as an APL director in response to the decision.

“It has become clear that in order for me to act in the best interests of Melbourne Victory and football in Victoria, I needed to resign as a board member of APL,” Di Pietro said. “My resignation was ultimately driven by the decision announced (on Monday), that sees the next three grand finals being hosted in Sydney.

“While I know first hand the decision by APL was made with a view to growing the game and creating financial sustainability for the league, the fan and member sentiment has been overwhelming and I cannot support maintaining a decision which is not in the best interests of the loyal Melbourne Victory faithful and football. We have urged APL to pause this plan and consider an alternative that supports the growth and stability of the league while also allowing both the men’s and women’s A-League grand finals to continue to be played in the city of the highest-ranked qualifier.”

A host of other clubs also opposed the decision, as did players.