The 2015 AFL fixture and a potential Melbourne A-League final is causing a storm, as the two codes are locked in a stalemate over the use of Etihad Stadium (or the MCG), should the final be hosted by a Melbourne-based side.

The FFA claims that it gave the AFL more than a month’s notice about the potential clash, and claims to have told the League it may require the use of the stadium for the final, which the AFL has staunchly rejected.

The AFL has blocked the FFA from using both Melbourne stadiums on the May 17 title decider by scheduling five games across that weekend.

The AFL claims to have left the original May 10 title decider free for the FFA when it first released its schedule in June.

In a statement released during the week the AFL said:

“The AFL had been contacted by both Etihad Stadium and the Melbourne Victory at the start of its fixture production process in July and August respectively this year to request the AFL consider the availability of Etihad Stadium for Sunday May 10, 2015.

The AFL accommodated the possibility of that request for the weekend of May 8-10 by scheduling only two matches at Etihad Stadium across that round, while separately also delivering on a request from the Victorian government for the MCG to be kept free on a consecutive Friday, Saturday and Friday in mid- July for a visit by leading European soccer teams.

“In the following two months, while the AFL dealt with its annual fixture requests and contractual requirements across its 18 clubs, broadcast agreements, various state governments, venues across Australia, other sports and its own preferred outcomes for the 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture, there was no further communication received from Etihad Stadium or the Melbourne Victory, and no communication received at any time from the FFA through this period in July/August/September.”

But the FFA retaliated with its own statement, rejecting claims by the AFL that there was a communication breakdown:

“Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today reaffirmed that all stakeholders in Victoria were advised in May this year that the Hyundai A-League 2015 Grand Final would be played on either 10 May or 17 May, subject to confirmation of the Asian Football Confederation calendar.

“Further, FFA reaffirms that Etihad Stadium, the MCG and the Victorian government were regularly updated until the confirmation of the 17 May grand final date.”

The issue remains unresolved.

Source: Herald Sun