Queensland minnows prepare for showdowns with big league
QUEENSLAND’S remaining two teams in the FFA Cup will both host A-League opposition in their bid to reach the quarter-finals.
NPL club Palm Beach Sharks take on Western Sydney Wanderers, while Brisbane Premier League outfit Lions FC meet Perth Glory.
“We’re certainly looking forward to playing an ALeague side,” Lions playercoach Warren Moon said.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge for our boys to try to get a result.’’
In the other round of 16 matches, Adelaide United host Sydney FC, Melbourne City meet Wellington Phoenix, Heidelberg United do battle with Sydney United, Hume City meet Sydney Olympic, Metro Stars host Oakleigh Cannons and Rockdale City Suns take on Melbourne Victory.
Dates and venues for the fixtures will be finalised tomorrow, with August 25-26 and September 1-2 set aside for the eight games.
The Lions-Glory game is expected to be played at Perry Park or QSAC, while the Palm Beach-Wanderers battle is likely to take place at Robina venue Cbus Super Stadium.
The Wanderers, whose side includes Palm Beach product Mitch Nichols, knocked Brisbane Roar out of the Cup with a 1-0 win in Penrith on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Football Federation Australia yesterday denied withdrawing recognition of Professional Footballers Australia as tension grew.
There have been suggestions of a player strike, with negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) having reached a standstill.
PFA claim FFA have terminated the memorandum of understanding that was established in 2007.
“The PFA has a long track record of supporting and building the game. It is clear that FFA’s CBA proposals and its decision to withdraw recognition of the PFA are very damaging,” PFA chief executive Adam Vivian said.
But FFA chief executive David Gallop said the sport’s national governing body had no intention of moving forward without a CBA or MOU.
“The fact remains that the current MOU expires this week,” Gallop said.
“After eight years, the details of some key aspects are now outdated due to agreed changes over time and need to be altered to reflect the current landscape, which the FFA is committed to resolving.’’