Next Steps Taken to Implement The Championship

Historic next steps were taken today aimed at introducing a national second division competition, with a summit meeting between FFA and the Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC).

AAFC Chairman, Rabieh Krayem, together with Director Christo Patsan of Newcastle and Legal Advisor, Nick Galatas met with FFA CEO, David Gallop, and his executive team on Tuesday to present and discuss AAFC’s preferred model, known as The Championship.

It was the first opportunity for AAFC and FFA to meet on this important milestone in football development.

These discussions follow consultation by the AAFC with other stakeholders including State Federations, A-League Clubs and the PFA.

“Today represents the commencement of the detailed development stage for The Championship,” said Krayem.

“Key elements of the model for The Championship were discussed including competition structure, governance, funding, youth development, facilities, relationships with the A-League and W-League and links to the State based NPL competitions.”

It was agreed that FFA would contribute personnel and resources to AAFC's ‘Championship Development Team’ which will continue the development and consultation process.

“AAFC welcomes FFA's keen interest in this critically important level of our game and its evolution.

“A financially viable true second tier will be an exciting addition to our game nationally while alleviating the burden presently carried by many NPL and WNPL clubs across the country and reducing the cost of junior participation,” Krayem said.

It is expected the new members of the ‘Championship Development Team’, which will include FFA personnel and State Federation representatives, will be finalised in the next week.

Further consultations will follow with stakeholders, including FIFA and AFC, over the next few months before a final model for FFA approval is produced.ere to edit.