Football Federation Australia said that it is "ready to argue against changes to its constitution that could give A-League clubs and member federations more say in running the sport," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. FFA is "facing a test of wills with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation" which is sending a delegation to Sydney for meetings on Sept. 21 and 22. The fact-finding mission will "focus on issues concerning FFA’s constitution." FIFA and the AFC "want FFA to fall into line with the FIFA statutes that are applied to other member associations around the world." They want “elite football” in Australia -- that is the clubs and federations -- to have "greater input into the professional game, while promotion and relegation is also on the agenda." FFA confirmed on Monday that the matter has been "ongoing and appears adamant it won't compromise on the independence of its board." An FFA statement said, "While we are open to genuine improvements to our governance structure there are elements such as a truly independent board of directors that we see as fundamental to the continued growth of our sport for the benefit of all stakeholders." However, FFA’s stance "could be dangerous given FIFA has the power to act and possibly impose stiff penalties, including bans and even FFA’s expulsion from the world body." The situation "comes amid suggestions A-League clubs are considering boycotting an FFA social gathering" for the visiting delegations in Sydney on Sept. 21. The clubs have been "agitating for the formation of a separate body -- an independent commission -- to run the A-League," as is the case with the Australian Football League and the National Rugby League (THE AUSTRALIAN, 9/14).
