A-Leagues & Football Australia General Chat and News Thread

Remove this Banner Ad

Bruno Fornaroli departs Melbourne City FC

Melbourne City FC and Bruno Fornaroli have mutually agreed that Bruno will depart the Club, effective immediately.
Bruno joined Melbourne City from Uruguayan side, Danubio in 2015, and scored on his debut in an FFA Cup match against Wellington Phoenix, going on to win the Golden Boot in the 2015-16 season.
The following year, Bruno went on to captain the side in its first trophy success – the 2016 FFA Cup.
Over four seasons with Melbourne City, Bruno registered 57 goals in all competitions.
The Club thanks Bruno for his contribution over the last three and a half years with Melbourne City and wishes him the best for the future.

https://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/news/bruno-fornaroli-departs-melbourne-city-fc

Pathetic that the club let it drag on this long and denied him a transfer or a loan deal!
Would love to know the full story one day, how much is Bruno to blame and how much Joyce.
 
Bruno Fornaroli departs Melbourne City FC

Melbourne City FC and Bruno Fornaroli have mutually agreed that Bruno will depart the Club, effective immediately.
Bruno joined Melbourne City from Uruguayan side, Danubio in 2015, and scored on his debut in an FFA Cup match against Wellington Phoenix, going on to win the Golden Boot in the 2015-16 season.
The following year, Bruno went on to captain the side in its first trophy success – the 2016 FFA Cup.
Over four seasons with Melbourne City, Bruno registered 57 goals in all competitions.
The Club thanks Bruno for his contribution over the last three and a half years with Melbourne City and wishes him the best for the future.

https://www.melbournecityfc.com.au/news/bruno-fornaroli-departs-melbourne-city-fc

Pathetic that the club let it drag on this long and denied him a transfer or a loan deal!
Would love to know the full story one day, how much is Bruno to blame and how much Joyce.

Interesting timing. It suggests that Joyce's sacking isn't imminent I think.
 
Mariners appoint sacked Matildas boss Alen Stajcic as interim coach

Sacked Matildas coach Alen Stajcic is back in football after he was appointed interim coach of A-League strugglers the Central Coast.

Stajcic has been out of work since his controversial axing from the Australian women’s team role by FFA in January and will take over the Mariners for the remainder of this season.

“It’s an honour and a pleasure to be here represent the Central Coast Mariners,” Stajcic said in a press conference.

“I’m excited about this challenge. There’s a buzz a lift and a desire to finish the season off positively. I’m proud to be here at this fantastic club

“A healthy Mariners means a healthy A-League. They’re a great guide to how successful our competition really is.

“I’ll be here to provide some stability and harmony for the group moving into next season and to set a platform going forward.

“There’s hope, ambition and potential to finish off in a good way.”
 

Log in to remove this ad.

The Stajcic hiring seems utterly bizarre to me.

I suspect that his sacking from the Matildas was bullshit - but none us outside the FFA really know that for sure. So at best, the Mariners have taken a guy with some question marks over him.

At worst though? They're spitefully trolling the FFA who ultimately decide their future as a club. They're already dismally failing the metrics put in place for the 'Nux, if we need to get rid of clubs they're likely the first to go at this stage.

Why piss off the dictator?
 
FFA's support of AFC president Sheikh Salman sickening, says Foster | The World Game

The FFA confirmed on Tuesday it will join with fellow ASEAN Football Federation nations in backing Sheikh Salman in the April 6 election in Malaysia.
The decision to back the Bahraini royal family member comes in the wake of Al-Araibi's detention in Thailand.
Ex-Socceroo captain Craig Foster, who campaigned publicly for Al-Araibi's release, said the FFA support was "sickening".
"That Australia could even contemplate voting for such a candidate makes a mockery of any discussion of fundamental values within the game," Foster said in a statement.
"The conduct of Salman during the incarceration of Hakeem was unconscionable."
The Bahraini-born Australian player was detained in Thailand during his honeymoon in November and threatened with extradition to his country of birth.
Al-Araibi was granted asylum and refugee status in Australia after fleeing Bahrain following his imprisonment alleged torture there in 2012 after speaking out persecution and torture of other footballers who had demonstrated against the ruling regime during the Bahraini uprising of 2011.
Sheikh Salman came under criticism during Al-Araibi's detention for not using his position as AFC president to help an international effort for his release.
Al-Araibi, who has since received Australian citizenship, returned to Australia in February after a concerted effort including FFA representation to secure his release.
FFA chairman Chris Nikou said the association was "acutely aware" of the concerns about Sheikh Salman's association with the Al-Araibi affair.
"During this time we were in regular dialogue with the AFC, FIFA and the Australian Government to ensure appropriate steps were taken to support efforts for Hakeem's release and we did this privately by lobbying those in positions of influence and ultimately, through the work of many, the right outcome was achieved," Nikou said in a statement.
The decision to support Sheikh Salman was based on his previous work in the role.
It was also felt by the ASEAN federations that the Bahraini was better credentialed than his opponents Mohamed Khalfan Al Romaithi from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar's Saoud A.Aziz A Al-Mohannadi.
"Under the leadership of the Sheikh Salman, the size of the AFC Asian Cup has expanded, the FIFA World Cup qualification process has broadened, new football development initiatives have been introduced, prize money and subsidies for clubs participating in the AFC Champions League have increased and significantly improved terms were secured with AFC's new marketing rights partner," Nikou said.

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/ffa-s-support-of-afc-president-sheikh-salman-sickening-says-foster

This is a disgrace by the FFA but on the other hand what do you do? Our postion in the confederation is shaky at best with most nations especially in the west Asian countries who don't want us there at all! I guess its just a case of toeing the line.
 
Perth Glory sign former Melbourne City striker Fornaroli | The World Game

Despite scoring 46 goals in 70 games for City, Fornaroli was overlooked this season by coach Warren Joyce.
The 31-year-old is ineligible to play for the Glory until next season, when he'll form a dangerous strike force alongside Andy Keogh and Diego Castro.
Fornaroli, who lists Sampdoria and Panathinaikos among his former clubs, is excited at the prospect of beginning a new chapter in his career with Glory.
“Tony (Popovic) said that there is a project here at Glory and that they want to play better than now and do better next season,” he said.
“I believe in the project and I believe in the coach and that’s why I’m here.

“I’m where I want to be and this is the most important thing for me. I’m very happy to be here.”
Glory Owner and Chairman Tony Sage believes that the significance of Fornaroli’s arrival cannot be overstated.
“The signing of Bruno is another strong statement of intent in terms of our ambition to bring sustained success to Perth Glory,” he said.
“Players with his great goalscoring pedigree are always in huge demand and we beat off stiff competition from a host of clubs from all over the world to sign him.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata, meanwhile, feels that the recruitment of one of the competition’s most exciting and highest-profile players will delight the club’s fan base.
“I’m sure that all of our members and fans will be hugely excited to see Bruno lining up in purple next term,” he said.
“He made it very clear that he wanted to be a part of what we are in the process of creating here at Glory and it is fantastic to have him on board.”

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/perth-glory-sign-former-melbourne-city-striker-fornaroli

Well that was the worlds worst kept secret.
 
A-League clubs poised after Sydney block Brillante’s Korea move | The World Game
Josh Brillante’s aborted move to Pohang Steelers has opened the door to potential offers from Western United, Melbourne Victory or Melbourne City for the disgruntled Sydney FC midfielder.

With Sydney vetoing the K-League switch to scupper the 25-year-old fringe Socceroos’ dream of a second shot at overseas success, sources close to Sydney have revealed that relations between Brillante and the club have soured.
The Sky Blues, who have been seeking to re-sign Brillante for several months, wanted an undisclosed fee from Pohang, even though he has just two months of his contract to run.
Brillante has been absent from coach Steve Corica’s line-ups since news of the Pohang offer broke 10 days ago, because the club felt he was distracted.

Previously on the books of Fiorentina, Empoli and Como in Italy, Brillante has long cherished hopes of another overseas opportunity and was confident he’d played his final game for the club, going so far as to farewell his teammates.
His disappointment at Sydney’s stance - with the club keen to keep him in the engine room alongside the re-signed Brandon O’Neill - is understood to be acute, paving the way for a probable end-of-season exit.
He’s previously assured Sydney he would not move elsewhere in the A-League.
But newcomers Western United are understood to be interested and will have the budget to outbid Sydney, whilst City - with Luke Brattan likely to depart - and Victory - with Carl Valeri deep in the autumn of his career - may soon be looking for midfield reinforcements.
Brillante has played in all but two of Sydney’s 22 A-League games this season, and is viewed as a major cog in their bid for a second championship in three seasons.
Sydney return to action away to Brisbane on Friday night, and Corica will be working hard to appease Brillante’s bruised sensibilities in the days ahead in an effort to reintegrate him into the first team.
The World Game has contacted Sydney FC for comment.

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-l...Exu6wsUHMlZqA3fZAJ_Ok0IVvfESzQZXFXopx2edL9p80

I'll take him at Victory!
 
OPINION | Why would 10 want to invest in A-League football?

Kevin Perry

The 10 Network is reportedly set to invest in A-League broadcasting rights, but the big questions being asked by media insiders is why?
The SMH reports 10 is seeking to secure A-League broadcast rights for the next four seasons, in a deal that would see two matches per round broadcast on free-to-air television.
The deal would certainly be welcomed by the sport’s governing body, Football Federation Australia (FFA), whom are desperate to expose the struggling code to new audiences, but would it be a good deal for 10?
SBS walked away from the football code in 2016 after years of disappointing ratings and an ongoing dispute over poor scheduling of marquee matches. Since then games have been airing on multichannel 10Boss, but audiences have continued to decline.
One senior executive from a rival network described the decision by 10 to invest in A-League as “dubious”, telling TV Blackbox the deal would struggle to make sense even if they held exclusive rights, let alone as a simulcast from Fox Sports with no ability to take a commercial break for 45 minutes.
Audiences for A-League have been in sharp decline over the past two seasons with the opening rounds of the football code struggling for eyeballs against Big Bash Cricket, Australian Open Tennis, AFLW and a resurgent National Basketball competition.
Even more challenging, the A-League Finals series’s competes for atttention against big winter codes, the AFL and NRL.
During the Summer period, Saturday night games have been averaging audiences of around 75,000 on 10 Boss, with a further 35,000 watching the simulcast on Fox Sports.
However with the return of the big football codes, last Saturday nights broadcast of the Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne City fell to a disastrous low of 31,000 viewers on 10 Bold, with just 17,000 additional viewers on Fox Sports. An appalling figure considering the match featured teams from Australia’s two biggest cities.
Under the current broadcast agreement which is set to expire at the end of this season, Fox Sports pays the FFA approximately $2 Million per season for the Free-To-Air (FTA) broadcast rights. Fox Sports then leases airtime from Network 10 allowing it to simulcast it Saturday Night game coverage. Fox Sports receives the bulk of the adverting revenue from these broadcasts, meaning 10 has little incentive to promote the code.
If signed, The new deal would see 10 secure FTA broadcast rights directly from the FFA. The addition of two new teams to an expanded A-League competition would allow 10 to broadcast two games per weekend. With 10 producing its own coverage of the football code, the network would have a much bigger incentive to promote the sport.
The 10 deal would be non-exclusive, with Fox Sports retaining full pay-tv and streaming rights for every game across the next four seasons.
FFA chief David Gallop confirmed negotiations were taking place, telling SMH:
"We are in discussions with Channel 10 but it’s not appropriate to go into the details at this point," "We need to protect the substantial investment that Fox Sports have made in the A-League while recognising that free-to-air coverage opens the game to more eyeballs."
Since being taken over by CBS in 2017, 10 has been looking to rebuild it’s sports programming library. The loss of Big Bash Cricket destroyed 10’s ability to promote its 2019 programming line-up, sending the channels ratings into fourth place, well behind the ABC.
10 has recently invested $100 Million to secure non-exclusive rights to the Melbourne Cup carnival for the next 5 years, a figure which stunned its rivals. The network has also secured a limited numbers of World Cup Rugby matches which will be broadcast in prime time later this year.
The network certainly has plenty of CBS cash to spend and the FFA will be hoping to secure approx $20 Million for new deal, but with a failing primetime line-up, you would have to question if investment in a struggling football code is really the highest priority.
The one shining light for 10 in 2019 was the ratings for I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. With its solid casting and family fun format the show regularly outrated cricket coverage on SEVEN and served as a reminder that consistent, quality programming is a much better strategy, than simply buying any available sporting code just because you have some hours to fill.

https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2019/4/1/why-would-10-want-to-invest-in-a-league?format=non-amp

Well FFA should just take the offer and run with it!
 
New Leagues working group

Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirms that the New Leagues Working Group (NLWG) has submitted its report and recommendations for an alternative model for the professional leagues comprising of the A-League, W-League and Y-League (the Leagues).
Advertisement
Scroll to continue with content
In view of the interest in, and significance of the future professional leagues model to the Australian football community, the FFA Board has decided to publicly release the NLWG Report in its entirety.
The key principles in the report included:
• That a new and separate professional leagues entity must have regard to the best interests of Australian football as a whole;
• The new leagues entity would be responsible for the professional football leagues including, but not limited to, the A-League, W-League and Y-League;
• The new entity would be autonomous and separate from Football Federation Australia (FFA);
• The leagues entity would offer the clubs greater responsibility and encouragement to invest in order to commercialise and to grow the professional game as a part of and for the benefit of Australian football; and
• The new Leagues entity should foster the development of the leagues and, through the Leagues, football in Australia by providing the pathway for Australian footballers to an elite level and, ultimately, Australian national teams.
In addition, the NLWG determined that the legal, commercial and regulatory arrangements required to give effect to the various principles involve complex matters which require more time in order to be finalised.
The NLWG recommended that the detail and structure of the new league entity continue to be discussed by the stakeholders of Australian football with a view to formalisation by 30 June 2019, with a suitable transition period to be implemented thereafter.
The NLWG comprised representatives from each Member Federation, the A-League Clubs, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the Women’s Football Council and the FFA Board. Led by Judith Griggs, the NLWG worked over a period of six weeks following her appointment to fulfil the mandate established by resolution of FFA’s members at a General Meeting held 2 October 2018. This included a 31 March deadline to report.
FFA Chairman Chris Nikou thanked all who contributed to the NLWG process: “The NLWG has served an important purpose in bringing all the football family together to chart a course for the future of professional club football in Australia,” he said.
“Extensive discussion has occurred, all with the intent of setting up the Leagues to continue to grow, and to contribute to the success of Australian football more broadly, in the years to come. I would like to thank Judith for her tireless work in chairing the NLWG and for facilitating rapid progress in a short space of time.
“There is a great deal more work to be done and the FFA Board remains committed to engaging with all its members and stakeholders in good faith to arrive at the best possible outcome for the whole of the game.”
The NLWG also considered the future establishment of a national second tier of football through submissions received from the National Second Division Working Group. A draft white paper which outlines a vision for a national second division is currently under development and will be shared with stakeholders before being considered by the FFA Board.
In accordance with the FFA General Meeting Special Resolution passed on 2 October 2018, the NLWG recommendations will now be considered by the FFA Board and, if endorsed, will pass for approval by the Member Federations and the three Women’s Football Council Members elected by the Member Federations, following a review of the FFA Constitution. If approved, the recommendations would underpin a proposed final phase of the process which all stakeholders aim to finalise by 30 June 2019.
To download the full ‘New League Working Group' Recommendations Report, click here.


https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ne...a-LL8hg7XWee55AlhNQO2QrwsMWfS5yUT8oVPcMV19OHc


The report is 70 pages long if anyone is keen to read through.
 
Last edited:
New Leagues working group

Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirms that the New Leagues Working Group (NLWG) has submitted its report and recommendations for an alternative model for the professional leagues comprising of the A-League, W-League and Y-League (the Leagues).
Advertisement
Scroll to continue with content
In view of the interest in, and significance of the future professional leagues model to the Australian football community, the FFA Board has decided to publicly release the NLWG Report in its entirety.
The key principles in the report included:
• That a new and separate professional leagues entity must have regard to the best interests of Australian football as a whole;
• The new leagues entity would be responsible for the professional football leagues including, but not limited to, the A-League, W-League and Y-League;
• The new entity would be autonomous and separate from Football Federation Australia (FFA);
• The leagues entity would offer the clubs greater responsibility and encouragement to invest in order to commercialise and to grow the professional game as a part of and for the benefit of Australian football; and
• The new Leagues entity should foster the development of the leagues and, through the Leagues, football in Australia by providing the pathway for Australian footballers to an elite level and, ultimately, Australian national teams.
In addition, the NLWG determined that the legal, commercial and regulatory arrangements required to give effect to the various principles involve complex matters which require more time in order to be finalised.
The NLWG recommended that the detail and structure of the new league entity continue to be discussed by the stakeholders of Australian football with a view to formalisation by 30 June 2019, with a suitable transition period to be implemented thereafter.
The NLWG comprised representatives from each Member Federation, the A-League Clubs, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the Women’s Football Council and the FFA Board. Led by Judith Griggs, the NLWG worked over a period of six weeks following her appointment to fulfil the mandate established by resolution of FFA’s members at a General Meeting held 2 October 2018. This included a 31 March deadline to report.
FFA Chairman Chris Nikou thanked all who contributed to the NLWG process: “The NLWG has served an important purpose in bringing all the football family together to chart a course for the future of professional club football in Australia,” he said.
“Extensive discussion has occurred, all with the intent of setting up the Leagues to continue to grow, and to contribute to the success of Australian football more broadly, in the years to come. I would like to thank Judith for her tireless work in chairing the NLWG and for facilitating rapid progress in a short space of time.
“There is a great deal more work to be done and the FFA Board remains committed to engaging with all its members and stakeholders in good faith to arrive at the best possible outcome for the whole of the game.”
The NLWG also considered the future establishment of a national second tier of football through submissions received from the National Second Division Working Group. A draft white paper which outlines a vision for a national second division is currently under development and will be shared with stakeholders before being considered by the FFA Board.
In accordance with the FFA General Meeting Special Resolution passed on 2 October 2018, the NLWG recommendations will now be considered by the FFA Board and, if endorsed, will pass for approval by the Member Federations and the three Women’s Football Council Members elected by the Member Federations, following a review of the FFA Constitution. If approved, the recommendations would underpin a proposed final phase of the process which all stakeholders aim to finalise by 30 June 2019.
To download the full ‘New League Working Group' Recommendations Report, click here.


https://www.a-league.com.au/news/ne...a-LL8hg7XWee55AlhNQO2QrwsMWfS5yUT8oVPcMV19OHc


The report is 70 pages long if anyone is keen to read through.
More open than usual from the FFA.



Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
 
More open than usual from the FFA.



Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Going through the report atm some very interesting details sounds all good on paper through wether it can all be implemented is another question. The second division working group sounds promising if they can come up with a fair and economical system.
 
Going through the report atm some very interesting details sounds all good on paper through wether it can all be implemented is another question. The second division working group sound promising.
It always sounds good on paper.

But the follow through will be what counts.

Very interested in a 2nd division.

If the can get it right it means every game matters in the top flight.
Wether trying to make finals or avoid relegation.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

So it looks like the journey is over for Mark Rudan. I'm expecting a mass exodus to follow, probably with him.

Link

It's still incredible to me that he had to be a FIFO manager in Wellington to get an opportunity - he was clearly the best coaching prospect in Australia for a couple of years before he got the Wellington gig (that's not hindsight, I've said that on this forum.)

Given he's been Sydney-based, and his family is (apparently) the driving factor behind his decision, I'd think taking the SW Sydney job and trying to build a great squad - ie. be their Popovic - is the option I'd be most interested in.
 
It's still incredible to me that he had to be a FIFO manager in Wellington to get an opportunity - he was clearly the best coaching prospect in Australia for a couple of years before he got the Wellington gig (that's not hindsight, I've said that on this forum.)

Given he's been Sydney-based, and his family is (apparently) the driving factor behind his decision, I'd think taking the SW Sydney job and trying to build a great squad - ie. be their Popovic - is the option I'd be most interested in.
Yeah, I'd assume that is the one he will take despite all the talk surrounding the Western Melbourne job.

Western United have already signed players (despite not signing a coach yet) Including Kurto rumored from Wellington. You telling me Rudan hasn't been working behind the scenes? Why would WU sign players without a coach? unless that coach is currently already coaching in the league and has secretly made a deal. He's 100% gonna coach Western United next season!

Shame SW Sydney has to wait another season otherwise he no doubt would have gone there instead. They would be pissed I'd say him being a Sydney boy and all. All because the FFA decided to give the WSW a clear season at their new stadium, Piss weak decision setting that club up to a disadvantage.
 
Western United have already signed players (despite not signing a coach yet) Including Kurto rumored from Wellington. You telling me Rudan hasn't been working behind the scenes? Why would WU sign players without a coach? unless that coach is currently already coaching in the league and has secretly made a deal. He's 100% gonna coach Western United next season!

Shame SW Sydney has to wait another season otherwise he no doubt would have gone there instead. They would be pissed I'd say him being a Sydney boy and all. All because the FFA decided to give the WSW a clear season at their new stadium, Piss weak decision setting that club up to a disadvantage.

Well said. You could tell in the players lately that he's gone. Hopefully not too many people got sucked in by the rhetoric.
 
Joyce set to land surprise contract extension at Melbourne City | The World Game

Despite being forensically scrutinised by his bosses at the CIty Football Group - with Manchester City-based executive Brian Marwood having the final say on his future - indications are that Joyce will be given a reprieve and a third season to deliver results.
The Englishman has endured a turbulent reign marked by bust-ups with players, an often turgid playing style, a divisive disconnect with the club’s shrinking fan base and a perfunctory relationship with the media.
It has been widely speculated - even anticipated - the ex-Royal Antwerp, Manchester United Under-23s and Wigan man would be tapped on the shoulder at season’s end, unless sixth-placed City manages to accomplish something extraordinary during the finals series.
But with the club still in the hunt for a home final as they jet to New Zealand for the Easter Sunday duel with fifth-placed Wellington, a surprise survival act appears to be in the offing.
Specifically recruited to add steel and discipline to the squad after the perceived laidback era of predecessor John van’t Schip, Joyce, 54, has embraced the hard taskmaster role with relish, summarily discarding the likes of Tim Cahill, Neil Kilkenny, Dean Bouzanis and most controversially Uruguayan marquee Fornaroli.
Bruce Kamau was also frozen after his agreement to join Western Sydney Wanderers and off-contract Luke Brattan has had his turn in the eye of the storm.
After a debut season in which City finished third, only to be beaten in the semi-finals by Newcastle Jets, Joyce’s second year - thus far - has produced little to cheer about, other than securing a top-six finish.
City, under Joyce, have been largely joyless to watch but should they upset Wellington and then defeat Central Coast at home in their final game of the regular season next Friday, then a fairytale culmination to the campaign might yet be in their sights.
However, with just two wins in their last 10, City have shown few signs of a miraculous burst of form - limping rather than striding into the finals.
Melbourne City were contacted for comment.

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/joy...Qdr0xN0CmXJ_jco8NQpUXa1KRqvK-HuM9h9gPdwon17CI

Sounds bizarre that he'll be offered an extension tbh.

Been posted in the City thread too would like to know what their fans think.
 

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top