Fury in financial trouble - Major sponsor walks

Fury in bother as backer, CEO pull pin


September 21, 2009 - 8:19PM
A-League newcomers North Queensland appear to be in difficulty already, the Fury losing a major financial backer and the club's CEO.

Fury chairman Don Matheson said in a statement on Monday night he would take over the day to day running of the club as part of a restructure that involves the departure of CEO Dean Hassall.

Rockhampton-based recruitment agency Minniecon and Burke has withdrawn its financial interest in the club.

Mitch and Blair Burke were enlisted by Matheson when he launched his bid for an A-League licence.

"A need for change had already been identified as part of this process, as there is for any business that is moving forward," Matheson said in the statement.

"The Fury has built something here in North Queensland which is successful - we have attracted the highest profile player ever in the Hyundai A-League in our marquee Robbie Fowler, we have great support in the community and a football team that is unbeaten in its last four matches."

"There's no denying it is a business though and North Queensland Fury FC has been fortunate to have a fantastic business relationship with Mitch Burke who, due to changes in his own business, has decided to move on.

"The club was able to reach an agreement with him and we wish him all the best.

"The Football Federation of Australia is fully supportive of the measures identified by the Fury in moving forward as a business.

"We are continually updating the FFA on the financial position of the club as part of our licence agreement."

Matheson said Hassall had resigned as part of the process to allow "a general renewal of approach and management of the club".

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/fury-in-bother-as-backer-ceo-pull-pin-20090921-fyjk.html

Pittodrie Boy, we had a topic about this in the A-League thread but since it COULD have an effect on future A-League spots we will merge it into this thread.

Sorry, don't read the other forums as our A-League bid is what I am interested in. I posted it here because it may well have a knock-on effect for our bid if, god forbid, the Fury folds.