Football Federation Australia has today announced that a national FFA Cup knock out competition will commence in 2014.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced that a national FFA Cup knock out competition will commence in 2014, subject to finalisation of commercial arrangements.
FFA CEO David Gallop said the in-principle approval granted by the FFA Board at its 23 August meeting was a significant step forward for the game in Australia.
“The idea of the FFA Cup has captured the imagination of the football community and there-s a huge groundswell of support,” said Gallop.
“Everyone in the game is keen for this concept to come to life, but the prudent way forward is to ensure the right commercial and organisational foundations are in place.
“FFA Management now has a mandate to conclude the many positive talks we-ve had with broadcasters, sponsors and commercial partners.”
Over the past 12 months an FFA Project Team has been developing options for the FFA Cup, in consultation with Member Federations and A-League clubs.
The plan for the FFA Cup includes amateur and semi-professional clubs, including National Premier Leagues, and Hyundai A-League clubs entering the draw on a progressive basis.
The options allow for existing State and Territory based cup competitions to remain in place as feeder competitions to the national cup.
The nine State and Territory Member Federations and 10 Hyundai A-League clubs have unanimously endorsed the proposal to stage the inaugural FFA Cup within the calendar year with a Cup Final in December 2014.
