The peak body representing NPL clubs Australia-wide has announced the next phase of its development as an organisation, at the same time affirming its push for a national second tier competition.

The fledgling Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) emerged earlier this year in a bid to become a key stakeholder of the game in this country amidst increased debate regarding A-League expansion and FFA governance issues.

The AAFC has announced its inaugural AGM will be held on Monday 3 July when its 110 NPL Club members are expected to ratify a new constitution and the election of eight new directors representing each of the eight federations.

The nominated eight directors are: ACT: John Thiele; NSW: Gino Marra; NNSW: Christo Patsan; QLD: Rabieh Krayem; SA: Amin Ayoubi; TAS: Victoria Morton; VIC: Dean Hennessey; WA: Gary Marocchi.

An AAFC statement released earlier this week says, “In 2017 the NPL clubs of Australia considered it necessary to form an organisation to represent their common interests as NPL clubs. This is particularly the case in light of discussions regarding changes to the FFA governance model.

“We are of the view that a second division is essential for the future, long-term development of the game, as well as for Australia to meet FIFA and AFC requirements.”

Interim AAFC chairman Tom Kalas told Neos Kosmos by email, “The FFA have not come back to us regarding the FFA Congress apart from notifying us about the delay.” He added that, “The FFA is at loggerheads with A-League clubs, PFA, etc.”

Meanwhile, despite recent warnings from FIFA that it will intervene by introducing a normalising committee to replace the FFA board if the FFA doesn’t meet reform deadlines, FFA CEO David Gallop doesn’t believe this will be necessary. He told reporters “Following extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, we are looking to implement a two-phase approach to expansion of FFA’s membership which will meet FIFA’s request both in structure and timeframe,” he said. “The first phase will be in place prior to our AGM in November and the election due then.”

“The second phase to consider further membership expansion is expected to commence in the new year once the new [A-League] operating model work is largely complete. We don’t anticipate any intervention from FIFA will be necessary in November.”