Canberra bid get's inside running as meissner bid pulls out

Canberra handed inside running as Meissner pulls out of FFA race for new team

Michael Cockerill
September 3, 2009

CANBERRA has suddenly moved into pole position to become the A-League's 12th team after western Sydney's leading bid yesterday withdrew from the race.

Colourful businessman Joe Meissner notified Football Federation Australia that he would no longer be continuing his submission for ''personal reasons'' - leaving the FFA scrambling to find an alternative for a second team in Sydney.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley declined to confirm Canberra's bid - which has government support - was now the frontrunner, although he admitted there were ''time pressures'' to find a viable team from western Sydney for 2010.

With a second Melbourne side already confirmed, there is a growing chance of an 11-team league next season.

Meissner's bid was believed to have won the support of the FFA board 10 days ago, pending the submission of a final list of financial guarantees. But before those guarantees were provided, Meissner, who was unavailable for comment last night, withdrew his bid.

Bid chairman Ian Rowden, a former board member of Sydney FC, said: ''We're all disappointed it's come to this. A lot of hard work had gone into the planning and we believe we were poised to create a strong and viable team, which would have been competitive on the field and would have helped grow the game off the field. That opportunity still exists and I'm sure there will be a second Sydney team at some stage in the future.''

The western Sydney bid's chief executive, Berti Mariani, who says the group had the necessary backing, said: ''Some things in life you can't predict and obviously we're all coming to terms with what's occurred.''

Buckley, however, said that far from being a setback, the withdrawal of the Meissner bid proved the FFA was right to insist on stringent criteria being met before any licence was issued.

''Naturally we're disappointed a consortium has pulled out, but it was never our only option,'' Buckley said.

''As we went through due diligence, this consortium wasn't able to meet the financial criteria. To me that reinforces how important it is we plan for expansion in a prudent way. The FFA needs to make sure successful bidders have the finance in place to operate a club. We make no apologies for being tough on that. What we won't do is issue a licence unless a bid meets the criteria. We can't afford to take unnecessary risks.''

Asked whether the Meissner bid had been the frontrunner, Buckley replied: ''I'm not prepared to say that.

''What I can say is they were well advanced and we commend them for the time and energy they put into the bid.''

The withdrawal of the bid opens the door for a rival western Sydney bid promoted, but not financed, by Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill to get a reprieve, although at this point it lacks the necessary financial support.

Buckley said having a new team in western Sydney for next year had not been ruled out.

''We haven't given up, in fact, I've been in active discussions with other consortia this afternoon,'' he said.

''There is some time pressure as far as season six goes - I concede that. But we've seen in the past what Gold Coast, North Queensland and Wellington have been able to achieve in a sort space of time, so anything is possible.''

Asked whether the FFA was keeping a close eye on the AFL's planning for a western Sydney side, Buckley added: ''This is not a race, our timetable is not dictated by other sports. We have to do what's right for the A-League and for football.''

Canberra remains the only bid that has met all the requirements and, with the national capital to host its first A-League match tomorrow night - when Central Coast Mariners play a ''home'' game against the Perth Glory - the timing is tempting for the FFA to make an announcement.

Pressed on whether Canberra now had pole position, Buckley responded: ''By definition when the numbers are reduced - those still left have a better chance. Canberra is a strong bid, but other bids are well advanced also.''

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/wester ... ntentSwap1

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hell yes that spot is ours!!!

We MUST be the best bid left - but that pr#ck Buckley still doesn't seem to admit it! eg. "Canberra is a strong bid, but other bids are well advanced also." What a crock of sh#t - just give us the licence!

Pittodrie Boy wrote:just give us the licence!

Too right - make the announcement at the game tomorrow and let us get on with it!

Damn I really wonder what happened to Meissner!! Woohoo this is the best news where is the source for this article?

When "colourful businessmen" change their mind for "personal reasons" it normally involves arrangements with other "colourful businessmen" or the tax office. Seriously though, FFA clearly were attracted to this bid, but to their credit didn't want to sign off on anything that ultimately relied on the largess of one person. And to prove the point, when he walks away the whole thing falls down.
Kind of funny in a way - who remembers that "colourful businessman" from Sydney who promised to rescue the old cosmos - the guy who foisted Leon the "I know Arsne Wenger" Pig Farmer on us as coach. Good Times

Would be awesome if they made an announcement at half time....

But I think someone from Canberra has pissed Mike Cockrill off,

"With a second Melbourne side already confirmed, there is a growing chance of an 11-team league next season." If Western Sydney can't join then no one can...I'm taking my ball and going home!!!

Timmeh

From Four Four Two website:

Canberra Ready To Join A-League
Aidan Ormond 3 September 2009 09:54
EXCLUSIVE: Canberra's A-League bid has a clear message: “We're ready to join the A-League now - but FFA need to make a decision soon.”
Last night it was reported that one of the front-runners for the 12th expansion spot in the A-League to be based in Sydney had dropped out of the race.

It's opened the door for the possibility of Canberra's bid to get over the line, even though there are other bidders in the Sydney market.

"If for whatever reason, the western Sydney bid doesn't materialise financially then without question that's strengthened Canberra's position being included in the A-League," Canberra's bid head Ivan Slavich tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

The current state of affairs adds even greater importance on Friday night's clash in Canberra between Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory at Canberra stadium - the first time an A-League clash has been played in the nation's capital.

"I must admit the football community in Canberra and the journalists are keen to see a decision, and I think the game here on Friday is very important and I think it will be well supported," said Slavich.

"Of course, it's not a Canberra team playing - I think a Canberra team would be even more supported."

The FFA has already granted the 11th licence for the A-League to a consortium called Melbourne Heart. The group is well advanced on its coaching appointment and off field positions.

yeah we have to get it now, if the ffa decide on an 11 team comp next year ill be pretty pissed

Boo YEA

SUrely now the FFA can't knock us back with the top WS bid defunct. Still though, there is Lucas Neill's and the Premier State Bid.

WOuld be great to have an annoucement at half time of the game.

i've got to say out of the WS bids, i thought Lucas Neil's was the best out of them

Toby wrote:Damn I really wonder what happened to Meissner!! Woohoo this is the best news where is the source for this article?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/wester ... ntentSwap1

TheBigMan wrote:i've got to say out of the WS bids, i thought Lucas Neil's was the best out of them

Nah mate. Apparently Lucas Neill's and the Premier State FC one are not viable. The Meissner one was the strongest one of the lot- and even that wasn't that strong.

now its really important that we go to the game

Hell yea!

This is the best news so far we have had this forum. Oh please just give us a team FFA!

This is the best news i've heard all month

Alex351 wrote:This is the best news i've heard all month

its only been 3 days of the month

This is such great news!!!!

It would be ridiculous to have an 11 team comp next season,

I am pretty sure now that Canberra is definately going to get the 12th spot and the FFA should hurry up and announce it so we can get on with building a team and preparing for next season;

Everyone go to the game tommorrow!!

Canberra Athletic 2010

WOOHOOO