Peace settlement looms for football bodies
FAR North football stakeholders believe they are close to finalising the details of a preferred model set to bring harmony between Cairns FC and FNQ Football clubs.
In September, Football Queensland (FQ) mandated the academy teams of the NPL club, formerly known as FNQ Heat, would play in the local competition, a move widely derided in the football community. The FNQ Football board returned serve with a letter rejecting the mandate based on failures of similar systems in the five-year history of the NPL.
Cairns FC board members and FNQ Football club presidents have since been developing an alternative method as to not disadvantage any party and satisfy the terms of the NPL licence.
It is understood the recommendation would be for Cairns FC to be somewhat of a representative arm of the local competition, allowing players access to high-level training while remaining a member of their club. Discussions, which last weekend included Football Queensland chief operating officer Richard Griffiths, are ongoing into the finer details.
FNQ Football general manager Matt Kelso said the collaboration had been hugely positive as all parties race to meet fast-approaching deadlines.
FQ has set a deadline of November 21 for NPL clubs to present their final licence submissions, which will be considered at the next board meeting on November 24.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do before next Tuesday,” Kelso said.
Cairns FC chairman Peppi Iovannella echoed the positivity of discussions between all stakeholders and was confident a resolution could be reached.
“The single purpose is to do what is best for the kids,” he said.
Cairns FC held their last trials for under-13, under-14, under-16, under-20 and senior teams last week.
BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY AT LEAST WE’VE HAD THE DISCUSSIONS AND IT HASN’T BEEN A BUNFIGHT MATT KELSO, FNQ FOOTBALL GENERAL MANAGER