Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced a national FFA Cup knock out competition will commence in 2014, bringing an English FA Cup style program into the Australian football calendar. Over 700 teams from around Australia, including amateur and semi-professional clubs will get the chance to play some of the best football talent around Australia.
FFA CEO David Gallop says the cup will increase football’s exposure in Australian sport and provide more competition.
“The idea of the FFA Cup has captured the imagination of the football community and there’s a huge groundswell of support,” Mr Gallop said.
“Everyone in the game is keen for this concept to come to life, but the prudent way forward is to ensure the right commercial and organisational foundations are in place.
“FFA Management now has a mandate to conclude the many positive talks we’ve had with broadcasters, sponsors and commercial partners.”
Over the past 12 months an FFA Project Team has been developing options for the FFA Cup, in consultation with Member Federations and A-League clubs.
The plan for the FFA Cup includes amateur clubs, State league clubs playing alongside National Premier Leagues, and A-League clubs, who will enter the draw on a progressive basis.
The options allow for existing State and Territory based cup competitions to remain in place as feeder competitions to the national cup.
The nine State and Territory Member Federations and ten Hyundai A-League clubs have unanimously endorsed the proposal to stage the inaugural FFA Cup within the calendar year with a Cup Final in December 2014.
