New Football Federation Australia Chair Chris Nikou "is hopeful expansion will happen in time for next season’s A-League," declaring it as the No. 1 priority for the revamped board, according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. On a "remarkable day" for Australian football "with many twists and turns," Nikou was one of four directors voted onto the board at FFA’s AGM in Sydney on Monday. The former Melbourne Victory director was then "handed the keys to the most important job in the sport during a meeting of the new board," replacing Steven Lowy, who officially stood down from his position. Earlier, Heather Reid, who was elected FFA vice-chair, and Joseph Carrozzi were voted in, along with Nikou, at the first ballot. Remo Nogarotto was then elected unopposed after former Labor Minister Stephen Conroy withdrew his nomination. Nikou, Reid, Carrozzi and Nogarotto join sitting directors Kelly Bayer Rosmarin and Crispin Murray on the board, "which also has the power to appoint three co-opted directors." Nikou "made it clear sorting out expansion was a priority." He said, "Expansion is the number one priority. We need to have a proper and detailed briefing regarding the merits of each bid and as soon as we get through that process it will be the first order of business. I’d like to see it come in next season, that is my wish" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/19).
'GOOD FAITH': In Sydney, Vince Rugari reported Nikou, a lawyer by trade, was seeking a return to the FFA board room "after the expiry of his three-year term." He was also part of the congress review working group which "resolved the impasse and was seen by A-League clubs as the most reasonable FFA board member to deal with." Asked how he could galvanize the sport given his ties to the Lowy-led board, Nikou said, "Those who were closest to the process know that I actually spent a lot of time trying to get the parties together to deal with reform. I was on the CRWG, as I understand it, at the request of the three major stakeholders because I was considered to be somebody willing to come to the table and hear their concerns and deal with them in good faith" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 11/19).
LOWY GOES DOWN SWINGING: In Sydney, Dominic Bossi reported Nikou's appointment ended a day when a "broad spectrum of stakeholders made their final statement for change." It came after a "fire-and-brimstone speech from Lowy," one littered with gallows humor. The outgoing chair "went out swinging, taking pot shots at his opponents and taking particular aim at his detractors' call for the need for a board with more football intellect rather than corporate acumen." Lowy: "It is a nonsense argument which is hopelessly superficial and naive. It is typically advocated by people who have had no board or management experience at this level or the heavy responsibility that goes with it" (SMH, 11/19).
