Galaxy given NPLW boot
GEELONG Galaxy United has been dumped from the elite NPLW Victoria competition.
In a shock development, Football Victoria announced yesterday it had revoked the club’s licence for 2020.
The news was delivered by FV in an official statement online announcing that Galaxy United and Southern United, which has lost all 26 of its games this season, had not been offered a full NPLW licence next season.
The statement went on to say that, as a result, both teams have been offered places in Victoria’s State League next year.
“They can also continue to field their current under-12, under-14 and under-16 junior teams in NPLW junior competitions in season 2020,” the statement revealed.
“Both clubs are currently evaluating this proposal for senior and junior football, and will advise FV of their desire to accept this offer by this Friday.”
In an ominous sign that other parties may be considered for the NPLW vacancy in a year’s’ time, the FV statement went on to say: “Southern United FC and Galaxy United FC will have the opportunity to reapply for NPLW status for the Southern Melbourne and Geelong regions of Victoria in season 2021 as part of an open and transparent process for all FV clubs and interested parties, commencing in early 2020.”
Interim Galaxy president Branko Krstevski, who was only appointed last week, was disappointed with FV’s decision but opted to cop it on the chin and revealed the planning process for reinstatement would start immediately.
“We’re very disappointed with the decision to remove the NPLW licence from our club as well as the Geelong region, as it will have the biggest effect on both our seniors and the under 19s, who won’t be playing at the elite level,” Krstevski said.
Should the Galaxy board and members accept FV’s invitation to field teams in the State 1 competition, the under-19s team will effectively become the reserves team.
“Moving forward, we have appointed a new interim board to address the shortcomings and navigate the club through this difficult period,” the president said.
“We will make the necessary changes and put the measures in place to forge a stronger club.
“We are very motivated and committed to ensuring a NPLW licence does stay in the Geelong region and our intention is to work very closely with all the stakeholders and FV to ensure we can regain the licence we lost and return to the WNPL as soon as possible.”