Gold Coast United have been effectively killed as the FFA has revoked their A-League license with immediate effect. Though a team will be funded and fielded by the FFA through the remaining four games of the season, it is highly doubtful that the embattled club will exist come the start of next season.
The decision comes after "3 clear breaches" of the FFA club policy by former owner Clive Palmer, the wealthiest man in Queensland. These include his famed outburst against the ruling body of Australian football, declaring them "corrupt".
Palmer tweeted shortly after the announcement "Our licence is being rekoved by Frank Lowy and FFA cohorts .. I will issue detailed response shortly.
"We intend to fight this ludicrous decision by incompetent FFA in the courts. Frank Lowy is an institution who now belongs in an institution."
However, Lowy gave hope to Gold Coast fans by saying "We would like to field a team next season". While this could be a cue for another investor to take over the club, it could also mean hurrying along plans for a Western Sydney side to join the league for next season.
However, they must be careful to take lessons from what Lowy described as Gold Coast's "spectacular failure". Low crowd averages have not helped the cause, and it seems that displaying "Freedom of Speech" on their shirts during their previous match against Melbourne Heart was the last straw.
They have a lot of talented youngsters at that side. It would be a shame to see it go. Let's hope they can find another investor.
No comments:
Post a Comment