Football Federation Australia (FFA) has praised the Baird NSW Government for the decision announced today on the allocation of $1.6 billion in infrastructure spending on Sydney’s major event stadia.
FFA CEO David Gallop said the NSW Premier Mike Baird will be acknowledged as the builder of a golden era for major event sport in Sydney.
“This is an historic decision to give Sydney the rectangular sporting stadia befitting a great international city,” said Gallop.
“On behalf of the football community, I thank Premier Baird, Sports Minister Stuart Ayres and the government for the investment in world-class infrastructure that will be welcomed by all in our sport, from the fans, players, national teams and clubs.”
Gallop said the outcome of the NSW Stadia Strategy is consistent with FFA’s submission to the Strategy Review Panel headed by John Brogden and John Quayle.
“FFA’s position did not change throughout the process,” said Gallop. “We are delighted that Parramatta will have a brand new stadium and that ANZ Stadium will become a world-class permanent rectangular venue.
“It’s great that Allianz Stadium will benefit from a refurbishment that will mean Sydney FC will have certainty over tenancy and won’t face being dislocated for several years.”
Gallop said the Baird Government’s decision today has in many ways been driven along by football fans.
“The Wanderers fans who filled the current Pirtek Stadium to capacity time and again. The Socceroo fans who filled ANZ Stadium for big World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup.
“The fans from everywhere who packed ANZ Stadium for the Manchester United, Juventus, Chelsea and Spurs matches.
“They have made a case for football’s growth and popularity that helps vindicate this investment by government. I thank them all.”
