Post by blackadder on Dec 12, 2004 8:37:11 GMT 10
Seems Sydney FC is having some teething problems 
SOCCER NSW CUTS TIES WITH SYDNEY FC
Soccer NSW has pulled out of its involvement with Sydney FC amid claims the A-League club has become a plaything for Frank Lowy and his family.
The dramatic announcement came at the state governing body's annual general meeting yesterday at which concerns were raised about what has been perceived as Lowy's autocratic style in establishing the club.
The AGM was told that Soccer NSW's board had decided on Wednesday to end its eight-month affair with the A-League, blaming external influences from Sydney FC for its pull-out.
A statement released after the meeting failed to mention the decision but a Soccer NSW insider told The Sun-Herald: "We have cut ties, totally."
Soccer NSW stakeholders, including juniors, amateur players and state league clubs, had raised concerns about a perceived lack of consultation on key Sydney FC issues.
These included:
The choice of Aussie Stadium at Paddington over Parramatta Stadium as the team's home ground.
The selection of Soccer NSW technical director Branko Culina as inaugural coach being overruled.
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The appointment of Lou Sticca, a Melbourne-based player agent, as recruitment consultant.
The erosion of Soccer NSW's initial 100 per cent involvement to just 25 per cent.
The signing of a 20-year-old American college player, Alejandro Salazar, ahead of young NSW hopefuls in a tight team roster.
Soccer NSW being unable to get its preferred candidates elected to the Sydney FC board.
Stakeholders also said there were concerns about corporate governance and transparency in the establishment of the club. Top of that list was the decision to appoint Lowy favourite Andrew Kemeny as chief executive ahead of several high-calibre alternatives.
Kemeny, a former Sydney City heavyweight when the Lowy-backed team was part of the National Soccer League, has since declined the role.
"Sydney FC is no longer the people's team," said one Soccer NSW insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It may as well now be called Sydney City."
Soccer NSW, which was expecting to provide a $1.25 million investment in the club, now faces the bizarre situation of having walked away from the club it effectively formed.
Club chairman Walter Bugno yesterday played down the decision and said there were still plans for the club and the state federation - which holds the key to massive marketing opportunities through its grassroots membership - to work together.
"It's not the end of the relationship," Bugno said. "I am quite comfortable with the situation and quite comfortable where we are at.
"There was nothing signed and nothing agreed with Soccer NSW about their involvement. There are a number of options for them to have involvement and we will have a close link in the future."
Bugno strongly denied accusations the club had steamrolled Soccer NSW on certain issues or that individuals had dictated club policy.
"There is no autocratic management style," he said. "In fact, I would say that it is quite the opposite."
Sydney FC is continuing its search for an international coach but Bugno said there would be no decision made before Christmas.
Nick Theodorakopoulos, shunned by Sydney FC for their coaching position, is one of the final two candidates in line to lead Melbourne Victory in next year's league.
SOCCER NSW CUTS TIES WITH SYDNEY FC
Soccer NSW has pulled out of its involvement with Sydney FC amid claims the A-League club has become a plaything for Frank Lowy and his family.
The dramatic announcement came at the state governing body's annual general meeting yesterday at which concerns were raised about what has been perceived as Lowy's autocratic style in establishing the club.
The AGM was told that Soccer NSW's board had decided on Wednesday to end its eight-month affair with the A-League, blaming external influences from Sydney FC for its pull-out.
A statement released after the meeting failed to mention the decision but a Soccer NSW insider told The Sun-Herald: "We have cut ties, totally."
Soccer NSW stakeholders, including juniors, amateur players and state league clubs, had raised concerns about a perceived lack of consultation on key Sydney FC issues.
These included:
The choice of Aussie Stadium at Paddington over Parramatta Stadium as the team's home ground.
The selection of Soccer NSW technical director Branko Culina as inaugural coach being overruled.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
The appointment of Lou Sticca, a Melbourne-based player agent, as recruitment consultant.
The erosion of Soccer NSW's initial 100 per cent involvement to just 25 per cent.
The signing of a 20-year-old American college player, Alejandro Salazar, ahead of young NSW hopefuls in a tight team roster.
Soccer NSW being unable to get its preferred candidates elected to the Sydney FC board.
Stakeholders also said there were concerns about corporate governance and transparency in the establishment of the club. Top of that list was the decision to appoint Lowy favourite Andrew Kemeny as chief executive ahead of several high-calibre alternatives.
Kemeny, a former Sydney City heavyweight when the Lowy-backed team was part of the National Soccer League, has since declined the role.
"Sydney FC is no longer the people's team," said one Soccer NSW insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It may as well now be called Sydney City."
Soccer NSW, which was expecting to provide a $1.25 million investment in the club, now faces the bizarre situation of having walked away from the club it effectively formed.
Club chairman Walter Bugno yesterday played down the decision and said there were still plans for the club and the state federation - which holds the key to massive marketing opportunities through its grassroots membership - to work together.
"It's not the end of the relationship," Bugno said. "I am quite comfortable with the situation and quite comfortable where we are at.
"There was nothing signed and nothing agreed with Soccer NSW about their involvement. There are a number of options for them to have involvement and we will have a close link in the future."
Bugno strongly denied accusations the club had steamrolled Soccer NSW on certain issues or that individuals had dictated club policy.
"There is no autocratic management style," he said. "In fact, I would say that it is quite the opposite."
Sydney FC is continuing its search for an international coach but Bugno said there would be no decision made before Christmas.
Nick Theodorakopoulos, shunned by Sydney FC for their coaching position, is one of the final two candidates in line to lead Melbourne Victory in next year's league.