Cross-code relations stand to be tested after Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata labelled the AFL’s decision not to budge over its scheduling on A-League grand final weekend “a disgrace”.
The biggest match of the football season, to be contested by Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC on Sunday, will be played at the 30,000-capacity AAMI Park and not at Football Federation Australia’s preferred choice of Etihad Stadium.
The Docklands venue can hold nearly twice as many supporters, but the AFL has insisted it will not relocate its regular season clash between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle to accommodate the rival code’s showpiece event.
Tickets for the grand final went on general sale on Monday morning, with 22,000 available to Victory fans and just 3,500 to travelling Sydney FC supporters – figures that do not go close to servicing either club’s needs.
“I’m disappointed that agreement couldn’t be reached between FFA and the AFL to use Etihad Stadium,” Pignata said. “I’m from Melbourne, I follow AFL and enjoy the footy – just as a lot of the fans who go to the game will be AFL followers.
“But I just don’t know what the AFL are scared of, really it’s a disgrace that they wouldn’t agree to move the Bulldogs game. AAMI Park is a great venue from a footballing purists’ point of view, it’ll be packed to the rafters and a great atmosphere.
“But we have 12,000 members, and only a quarter of them will be able to get tickets – they’re really angry and understandably so. I’ve had loads of messages via social media and it’s very unfair that almost three-quarters of our members can’t get a ticket.”
Victory’s semi-final against Melbourne City on Friday night was played out before a packed Etihad – 50,873 fans turned up – and with so few tickets on offer for Sunday’s match, a sell-out is expected to be announced well in advance of kick-off.
It has been suggested that, given interest in the match, what is at stake and the intense rivalry between the two clubs, the 90,000-plus MCG could have been used. But with Richmond playing Collingwood there on Sunday, and the Bulldogs meeting the Dockers at Etihad, AAMI Park has become the default venue for the A-League grand final, despite months of negotiations involving FFA, the AFL and the Victorian government.
“I think FFA did as much as possible – maybe the Victorian government could have done more to put pressure on the AFL,” Pignata said. “It just looks like AFL are scared of football. I know we’re a rising force but we’re all for coexistence. There are four codes in this country and we have to work together.
“It would be great to move the game to a neutral venue like ANZ, but I fully acknowledge that Melbourne Victory have earned the right to play in front of their own members and supporters. It’s just bitterly disappointing there won’t be more of both sides’ supporters able to be at the game.”
In a bid to avoid a similar situation next year, FFA intends to release a date for the 2016 grand final in the coming months. “This year there was a mix up in dates which no one has accepted responsibility for, we don’t expect that to happen again,’’ FFA chief executive David Gallop said.
“We will provide a date for next year’s grand final in the next month or so and trust that all parties, including the state government, Etihad Stadium management and the AFL, will ensure the situation we are faced with this year will never happen again.’’
