Future of Football 2020+ constitutional reforms passed by Football Queensland

Queensland have taken massive strides towards a stronger footballing future with the announcement that constitutional reforms have been passed across the game.

In what is significant news for the state, the Future of Football 2020+ constitutional reforms have been passed following a vote at the Football Queensland Extraordinary General Meeting held on Saturday, August 28.

FQ Members voted on 11 resolutions put forward with an overwhelming show of support for the Future of Football 2020+ reforms, the first the game has seen in 20 years.

Football Queensland President Ben Richardson acknowledged the significance of the occasion for the state’s footballing participants.

“Today is a momentous day for football in Queensland and we have reached an incredibly exciting milestone. I want to thank our members and the wider football community for embracing change and for their feedback, input and support throughout this state-wide 14-month process,” he said.

“Importantly, today’s outcome represents another crucial step towards the implementation of the ‘One Football’ model outlined in Football Australia’s XI Principles, highlighting the need for a modern streamlined governance framework that will better serve the game, reduce duplication, improve affordability and the quality of football product delivered.”

Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci explained that the focus of the Future of Football 2020+ process has now shifted to implementation of key reforms to strengthen the game and its delivery across the state.

“We can now move forward with common purpose and with certainty we can continue to unite football in Queensland behind a modern, streamlined, responsive, efficient and effective governance and administrative framework from which the entire football community will benefit,” he said.

“2020 and 2021 saw great change across our game in Queensland, our competitions and administration, all built around delivering important reforms to the game.

“2022 and beyond will see years of stability, with remaining elements of these generational reforms implemented, with a focus shifting towards unlocking the commercial potential of our game, improving services to community clubs, improving affordability and preparing our infrastructure for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.”

Football Australia CEO James Johnson congratulated Football Queensland for taking important steps forward in the governance of football across the state.

“We congratulate the Board and Members of Football Queensland on this positive step forward for football in Queensland,” he said.

“Football Queensland have recognised the need to review and modernise its structures so that it can better meet the challenges of modern-day football and deliver the game more effectively and with greater impact for all participants in Queensland.

“This is a significant milestone for football in Queensland and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of the game across the state.”

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World Cup 2026 build-up: FA urges Victorian Government to overturn live site decision

Football Australia responded yesterday to the decision by Melbourne Arts Precinct not to host live watch parties during this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament.

FA urges reconsideration

Citing safety concerns, Melbourne Arts Precinct announced that live watch parties would not take place this summer.

As a result, many fans and officials are eager to see the decision overturned as they look forward to rallying behind the Socceroos at their seventh FIFA World Cup tournament.

Football Australia revealed yesterday that they are speaking to both the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Arts Precinct to ensure fans across the city can view live matches together.

“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and unites Australia’s multicultural communities, while reinforcing our national identity,” explained Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler, via official press release.

“Live sites create iconic moments for Australian sports fans. They bring all Australians together to celebrate and cheer our National Teams competing on the biggest stage.”

“Melbourne is one of Australia’s sporting and multicultural capitals, and this decision goes against this tradition.”

 

Celebration vs safety

While many will be backing the FA in their call to overturn the decision, the motivations behind it nevertheless stand to reason.

With thousands of fans packed into an outdoor, public space like Federation Square, guaranteeing order and safety becomes increasingly difficult to deliver.

During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, up to 12,000 fans attended the semi-final screening against England. And although the majority were there to enjoy and support, a small minority took the opportunity to light and throw flares.

Therefore, the response from the FA begs an important question in staging live sporting events:

At what point do celebrations compromise safety?

 

Final thoughts

Football brings people together, and international tournaments allow fans to display pride for their respective nations.

But safety remains an absolute priority in sports – from the athletes on the pitch to the fans in the stadium or, during major tournaments, at popular live sites.

Hopefully, an agreement can be reached which balances both aspects of the game.

FA Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Appointments

Rachel Wiseman and Angela Mentis will join the FA as Directors, reflecting a continued drive within the governing body to prompt a new era for football in Australia.

 

Leading with expertise

Both Wiseman and Mentis join the FA at a time of immense change and ambition.

In February, the appointment of Martin Kugeler as CEO was symbolic of new beginnings for the industry. And now that Wiseman and Mentis are on board, the FA looks set for a defining year.

“We are pleased to welcome Rachel (Wiseman) and Angela (Mentis) to the Football Australia Board,” expressed Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac.

“These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen the Board’s capability across commercial strategy, digital transformation, financial services and major rights environments.”

If Australian football is to progress across digital, commercial and beyond, industry experts must sit at the centre of governance.

 

Aligning experience and vision

Most recently Chief Executive Officer Member Capital at NRMA, Wiseman brings experience and knowledge in executive roles, and legal practice.

Further to overseeing the growth and diversification of NRMA since 2016, as well as leading Tabcorp Holdings Limited as General Manager, Commercial Development – International, Wiseman has past experience in the sports landscape.

As Director of Business Affairs for Fox Sports Australia between 2007 and 2024, Wiseman negotiated agreements to broadcast key sports rights. With Football Australia looking to grow its financial power and commercial strategy in the coming years, Wiseman’s knowledge aligns perfectly with the governing body’s vision.

Mentis is an industry leader in financial services, with an extensive range of skills across customer and culture transformations.

Furthermore, following more than 30 years of work spanning Australia, New Zealand, Asia, United Kingdom and USA, Mentis will help the FA with essential, high-quality leadership.

While at the National Australia Bank, Mentis led a division over 900 people across Australia, Vietnam and India. And as the first female Chief Executive Officer at the Bank of New Zealand from 2018-2021, there is no question that Mentis’ credentials and expertise will bring about significant change and organisation at the FA.

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