In a significant upheaval that has sent shockwaves through the football community, Morley Windmills Soccer Club is undergoing a radical transformation after a series of events that have unfolded over recent weeks. The club’s players, coaches, and committee members have made decisive moves that will reshape the future of this storied football institution.
The Western Australian State League Division Two club has received a Disciplinary Infringement Notice due to a violation of player status regulations. This breach pertains to the payment of Amateur-registered players exceeding the authorised limit, as outlined in Football Australia’s National Registration, Status, and Transfer Regulations. The infraction falls under Grade 3 in the Player Payment System, resulting in an immediate deduction of 21 competition points for Morley Windmills’ first team, along with a $5,000 fine.
In a notice given out by Football West, it was revealed that a staggering nine players received payments surpassing the sanctioned weekly cap of $115. Remarkably, a single “amateur” player was compensated at a rate of $400 per week.
Furthermore, amid these developments and following in-depth deliberations among players, coaches, and the Morley Windmills committee, a pivotal decision has been collectively made to sever ties with the football club. This decision was purportedly attributed to a range of factors, most notably a series of racist-related allegations made by a club member who has since received a life-time ban.
The resounding endorsement of this decision by respected figures within Morley Windmills hopefully marks a turning point in the club’s history.
Despite this, for the remainder of the 2023 season, the club is still obliged to fulfil its remaining fixtures. Interestingly, without any members of the first-team staff or players, the responsibility of playing these matches falls upon the U18 players and coaches.
Marc Anthony, former Morley manager, stated via a Facebook post:
“I would like to inform the football community that after lengthy discussions between the players and coaches and the Morley Windmills committee that the players will no longer be associated with and play for the football club. Myself and Cathal Lennon are 110% in support of the players reasoning and decisions to walk away; therefore, Cathal and I will also be leaving the club effective immediately. We would like to thank the players for their efforts throughout the season, considering the constant noise in the background.
“These players have somehow managed to perform week in and week out for their club despite all the issues constantly being played out on a public forum.”
As the distinct prospect of participating in Amateur Football next year looms large, the intriguing question arises: how will the club mount a resurgence?
