A-League clubs accused Football Federation Australia of "twice going back on its word to implement FIFA-sanctioned reforms to its constitution" and called on Chair Steven Lowy to "reaffirm his commitment to a March deadline for the changes," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. The clubs were reacting to news that Lowy, CEO David Gallop and two other staff members will meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich Tuesday "in a bid to seek to delay the reforms, designed to address the membership structure and lack of a democratic process in FFA board elections." One source suggested that the clubs "are disgusted that the FFA would go behind our backs to lobby for a delay in the much-needed changes to the governance structure for Australian football." A statement issued Sunday by the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association, which represents the 10 A-League clubs, said that it "would be unacceptable" if FFA has the reforms delayed or "(circumvents) the committed process of engagement with stakeholders." The statement read, "The APFCA was disappointed and frustrated to learn of the FFA delegation visit to meet with FIFA president Gianni Infantino." The APFCA is "angry that FFA twice made a commitment to implement the reforms but is now going back on its word." Under the constitution, the voting structure at FFA is made up of the nine state and territory federations and one representative of the 10 A-League clubs. The clubs, which generate about 80% of FFA income, said that they do not have "enough of a say in the running of the sport" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 1/30). In Sydney, Tom Smithies reported FIFA "made clear to FFA last year that its tiny electorate in choosing its directors was inadequate and needed to be enlarged to include a variety of interest groups, including the clubs." In response, FFA promised it "would immediately liaise with stakeholders about a 'road map' to implement the changes to expand the Congress from the current 10," with at least 18 voting members expected, to include parties such as the players' union, referees and the women's game (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 1/31).
