An "unprecedented" meeting of Australian football’s top stakeholders will take place in Sydney on Tuesday, "as the deadline for governance reform looms," according to Davutovic & Windley of the HERALD SUN. March 31 was the date set by FIFA for Football Federation Australia’s 10-vote congress -- the smallest in the world -- "to become more inclusive." The A-League clubs and the players' union "have yet to agree on a new electorate though Tuesday's meeting will be decisive." FIFA, along with the Asian Football Confederation, "is watching closely and will step in if a satisfactory resolution is not reached." A "worst-case scenario is suspension from FIFA." Pressure "is mounting" on FFA Chair Steven Lowy and his board, with "discontent" in Australian football circles "at fever pitch." Whatever the outcome, "Lowy’s grip on A-League power is loosening." If clubs "get their desired amount of congressional voting rights," it will "be easier for them to nominate -- then elect -- their preferred FFA board candidates" (HERALD SUN, 3/8).
