by PhilH » Thu Jun 30, 2011 5:12 pm
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said today the AFL Commission and the SA Football Commission had now completed discussions around the model of support for the game in South Australia over the next three years.
Mr Demetriou said the impending move of football in South Australia to the Adelaide Oval was a tremendous step forward for the game in the state and reaffirmed the SA Football Commission’s view that the Port Adelaide and Adelaide Football Club’s capacity to compete strongly was vital through the transition period.
“All sections of the football community in South Australia and the AFL Commission are extremely grateful for the support of the South Australian government for the return of football to the city at Adelaide Oval,” Mr Demetriou said.
“Football in South Australia needs two strong clubs in Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows competing strongly on the national stage and the AFL competition wants both teams to have every chance to bring success to their supporters.
“This financial model negotiated with the SA Football Commission for the two AFL clubs in South Australia is aimed at ensuring the long-term health of both clubs, with the benefits of two strong football clubs flowing through to all levels of football in the state,” he said.
Mr Demetriou said the commercial arrangement included:
A grant to the Port Adelaide Football Club from the AFL of $1 million for each of the three years (2011, 2012 and 2013)
A loan to the SA Football Commission from the AFL of $2 million per year for each of the three years (2011, 2012 and 2013) to be provided as grants to the Port Adelaide Football Club, representing a total grant to the club of $9 million over three years
The AFL to provide a facility for the SA Football Commission to draw up to $1.5 million per year for three years (2011, 2012 and 2013)
The SA Football Commission will provide a financial package valued at $1 million per year to the Adelaide Football Club over three years (2012, 2013 and 2014), representing a total contribution to the Crows of $3 million.
“During negotiations, it became clear that while Port Adelaide does need assistance for the short-term period before the move of football to the Adelaide Oval, it was also important for further support to be provided to the Adelaide Crows, to enable them to also expand their activities,” Mr Demetriou said.
“I wish to thank SA Football Commission Chairman John Olsen and Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker for their role in bringing together all parties in South Australian football to ensure a united approach over the next three years in the transition to Adelaide Oval,” he said.
As part of the gradual move to Adelaide Oval, Port Adelaide will host the Round 24 game against Melbourne at the ground.
Mr Demetriou said the AFL and the SA Football Commission had also held discussions around further off-field support for the clubs in South Australia and their governance structure.
As part of these discussions:
The SA Football Commission and the AFL will review both the Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Club licences to determine the best governance structure for both clubs ahead of a move to a redeveloped Adelaide Oval; and,
The SA Football Commission and the AFL will work with Port Adelaide and Adelaide to finalise the revenue-sharing and rental model for matches at Adelaide Oval, with a deadline of December 31, 2011.
Mr Demetriou said the AFL Commission was pleased that all discussions had resulted in a positive outcome for both South Australian clubs.
“I want to again state for the record the clear position of the AFL Commission is that the best model for the national competition is to have two strong well-run clubs in the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide.”
ends
Patrick Keane
AFL Media Manager
