Lowy’s parting bid to squash rumours
OUTGOING Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy has stepped into the Wellington Phoenix saga, saying the New Zealand club have four years to demonstrate they are an asset, not a liability to the A-League.
In a strong statement, which FFA said was issued in response to “ill-informed and inaccurate” commentary about the A-League’s future, Lowy hit back at the chorus of anger that had grown since the decision to knock back the Phoenix’s application to stay in the competition for another 10 years.
Instead, the Phoenix were offered a four-year extension to their A-League licence, widely interpreted as a temporary stay of execution.
Sydney FC have led a near- mutiny of A-League clubs who are wary of the plan to replace Wellington with a third Sydney franchise and are upset at not being consulted.
But Lowy claims all club owners were told of FFA’s strategy surrounding Wellington back in April, and that he hasn’t “heard a peep” from anyone but the Phoenix since.
“As it stands, Phoenix has four years to demonstrate that they are an asset to the competition and not a liability, instead of simply asking for a 10year extension to their licence,” said Lowy, who is set to be succeeded as FFA chair- man next month by his son Steven.
Lowy took particular aim at Sky Blues chairman Scott Barlow, who on Wednesday said he had been assured by FFA that no new A-League licences would be issued in the near future, warning a southern Sydney team would have a catastrophic impact.
Lowy said FFA was obliged to explore options to replace the Phoenix, since the ALeague’s broadcast agreement requires a 10-team competition is maintained – but that no decisions have been made.
“Clearly, a new team in south Sydney is one of those options,” Lowy said.
“Discussions have also taken place about the potential for a new team in Wollongong.
“Even a new team in Victoria, Canberra or Queensland can’t be completely ruled out at this stage. I advised Scott that any future decision will be based on facts and figures and not emotion and asked him to provide FFA with a carefully considered submission about his club’s position.
“I also advised him that the FFA would consult with his club, or any other club, affected by any future proposals.”