The boycotts are over
Active support groups across the country have confirmed they will return to the terraces this weekend in a joint statement on Facebook.
It comes after a mammoth five hour meeting between the fan representatives and the FFA last night, with active fans coming to terms with the governing body and expressing their pleasure with negotiating the implementation of a “fair and equitable (appeals) system”.
THE JOINT STATEMENT IN FULL:
The Cove confirms that the proposed meeting between the FFA and representatives from each active supporter group took place last night.
The purpose of this meeting was to negotiate the implementation of a fair and equitable system which provides fans with;
a) Access to all evidence on which the FFA intends to rely on in any ban process; and
b) Access to an appeals process independent of the FFA
The Cove can confirm that as a result of that meeting, the FFA has agreed to implement satisfactory systems by no later than 19th February 2016, to coincide with the announcement of the Whole of Football Plan.
The minimum requirements of those systems have been agreed to, with the finer details to be finalised shortly. There has also been an unequivocal commitment by the FFA to defend football and it’s fans.
The FFA have also committed to providing active supporter groups with details of arrangements it has with third party security service providers.
It is on this basis, and provided of course, that the FFA formally implements these systems, that The Cove has agreed to temporarily suspend fan boycotts.
Make no mistake, in the event that the FFA fails in meeting these commitments by the 19th February 2016, the The Cove will take all necessary steps to hold it accountable.
For now, we will return to the terrace this weekend and do what we do best. Support our team unconditionally.
MORE BELOW…
It comes after resolutions to the fan rebellion against Football Federation Australia were reached last night, as well as reform against a highly-controversial banning process.
In statements given to the press following a meeting with the 10 active A-League supporter groups, David Gallop finally reached the conclusions that every Australian football follower has been crying out for as major in-principle changes were outlined to the system in which fans are banned from games.
Appeals will be introduced
Coming out of the meeting, Gallop described a good understanding of the views of the fans during the discussions. Highlighted by the recent saga and something which was at the top of the active supporter’s groups demands list was the need for a proper process when it came to punishments for fans that had crossed the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. Instead of the current generalised process, Gallop stated that ‘banning notices’ will be changed to ‘intentions to ban’ and the accused fan will then have the opportunity to review evidence with an independent panel.
DG: We have agreed to changes to the banning process in principle, and i’m pleased to say all clubs were present and endorsed those changes.
— Football Australia (@FFA) December 9, 2015
DG: This review will give us a chance to take a look at the overall match day experience.
— Football Australia (@FFA) December 9, 2015
Justice for the 198
In a move of support for those whose harsh treatment in the eyes of the media sparked the drama, a part of this new process will see, where possible, an opportunity given to the previously 198 excluded supporters to appeal and review their bans. While the details are being worked out, the FFA has also stated –
“Until a broader review is finalised, any currently banned spectator who believes they have been banned for something they didn’t do should bring their case to their club to submit it to FFA to review in good faith and with an open mind.”
Fan action shows who really matters
With the FFA’s concessions comes validation of the actions taken by the diehard fans over the past two weeks. Walkouts and boycotts have seen attendance figures slashed across the country and with one of the season’s most important games in the form of the impending Melbourne derby under threat from both sets of supporters, Gallop and the governing body have taken a cooperative step in ensuring that the A-League fans will be able to hold themselves with dignity when supporting their team with full pride.
DG: We talked about the circumstances around the last two weeks. I made it clear that I’m ambitious and confident about game’s future.
— Football Australia (@FFA) December 9, 2015
Where too next?
The events since Rebecca Wilson’s article detailing the 198 banned A-League supporters was published on the 21st of November have been nothing short of astounding. A community which crosses any kind of social barriers has banded together not just behind their respective teams, but behind the competition and the code as a whole, taking a stand against what have been ridiculous accusations in the wider media and an undue process of exclusion.
The fans have proven that in the face of immense negativity, these bullying tactics will not work and will only serve to make this country’s football community stronger.
DG: All I can say is that I’m hopeful the fans will be back this weekend.
— Football Australia (@FFA) December 9, 2015
Originally published as ‘FFA agrees to appeal process’
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