Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro roasts FFA

Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro roasts FFA

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Speaking at the club’s Victory in Business Luncheon, Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro has delivered a seismic roasting of the FFA. 

Di Pietro condemned the FFA’s inaction and the circulation of “football-phobic rubbish,” referring to them as “the peanut gallery, who live in bygone era.”

He was also very forward on the necessity for the FFA to act on the matters appropriately and as soon as possible, bringing into question the future of the game as it hinges on the FFA’s next move.

Read his full comments from the speech below: 

“Now is a critical juncture in the A-League’s life. Now is a time of change as we welcome new FFA chairman Mr Steven Lowy,” he said.

“The A-League must strive for excellence & market leadership. It cannot be content anymore with mediocrity. We’re sick of it.”

“There are key challenges the FFA must resolve to get the A-League back on track.”

“Firstly, the broadcast deal. This remains the single biggest opportunity for football.”

“The right broadcast deal will take game to a wider audience & help secure the financial future of those clubs desperately in need.”

“Secondly, attendances. I sincerely hope that there are more strategies in place than free tickets for kids in January.”

“Finally, FFA must resolve fan discontent. Rebecca Wilson’s article last week caused a tidal wave of football-phobic rubbish.”

“Clearly, nobody in football condones anti-social behaviour. But it opened the door to the peanut gallery, who live in bygone era.”

“These people believe anyone who chooses to actively support their club is a thug. Well, they are not!”

“This game is one of passion, which must be embraced, not suppressed. FFA must defend its fans from the slurs.”

“As Mark Bosnich said, football needs its fans. Fan walkouts, for whatever reason, must be resolved with actions, not rhetoric.”

“There must be a fair & realistic appeals process put in place without delay.”

“We acknowledge that these & other challenges for FFA are significant & no one has said it will be easy.”

“What happens in the next 12 months will determine the success of football in Australia for the next 10 years.”

“Getting these plans right can set the A-League up as an Australian & AFC giant. Then, there is lots to be excited about!”

The club also announced also announced it has extended its venue partnership with Etihad Stadium for a further 10 years.

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