What Should have been done? How the FFA can win back the support of the supporters.
Ok, I will be completely open. I am not sure any of the following is actually possible now that David Gallop and counterparts opened there mouths in quite possibly the worst press conference in some time. The reality now is that the positions of Gallop and De Bohun (head of the A-league) are now untenable and they should be removed as soon as possible for everyone’s sake. Anyway here’s just a couple of Ideas for the “corporate people” up top (feel free to use them).
1. Lets start with the issue which has actually pitted the fans against our football governing body. Really the FFA just have to look to what’s happening at Fifa to realise this was coming. Anyone who puts themselves above the law is going to cause themselves trouble and unfortunately that is the case with their appeals system. The FFA currently won’t allow the accused to appeal their bans and have adopted the mindset of guilty until proved innocent. Simply change that and maybe then can we tackle the following.
2. Hand the Phoenix a 10 year license extension. It’s no secret that all A-league fans have a soft spot for the team across the ditch. Since their announcement an extraordinary amount of support has come there way. Of course there should be at least one condition in relation to television rights over there of which the Phoenix need to sort out.
3. Set up an independent league. All across the world, leagues are run separately from the national government body and at this point of time you can see why. In tune, this independent body will be able to sort out the current liabilities which are owning the Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets. The league can not afford to loose any teams at this point, so keeping these teams afloat is again in everyone’s interest.
4. Marquees. Time to invest, unfortunately the league is struggling without the star power of which they previously have had. Now is the time to invest for growth. Of course it is a difficult market, so if you can’t guarantee that, at least make sure the sporting public know you’re here. Spend money on as many advertisements as possible, show yourself.
5. Tv Deal. The league has unfortunately gone through some tough times, so the next television deal offer is crucial. This will hopefully offer the chance to buy better quality marquees as well as open up a debate for the salary cap to be raised.
6. Finally and I can’t stress this enough, Respect the Fans! Several times this past week the FFA have said they have met with active groups. However the active groups deny any meetings happened. In fact the only meeting which occurred was with the Sydney Fc Fan group the cove who initiated it. So treat the fans exactly how you want to be treated. If you follow that advice, things will rarely go wrong.
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