The nineteenth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Football Australia was held in Sydney and via video conference on the afternoon (AEDT) of Wednesday, 23 November in line with the release of Football Australia’s 2022 Annual Review.
Five nominations were received for election to three positions on the Board of Football Australia.
The Nominee Directors listed below fill two positions as Elected Directors of Football Australia for terms of office expiring at the 2025 AGM and one position as Elected Director for a term of office expiring at the 2023 AGM.
- BAILES AM, Charles (Morry) proposed by Football South Australia and seconded by Football Tasmania;
- ISAAC, Anter proposed by Football NSW and seconded by Football Victoria;
- LEE-JOE, Jaclyn proposed by Football Queensland and seconded by Football WA;
- PAPPAS, Spiro proposed by Football NSW and seconded by Melbourne Victory; and
- WILSHIRE OAM, Carla proposed by Football Tasmania and seconded by Football Victoria.
At the AGM, Football Australia’s Members voted to elect Anter Isaac and Jaclyn Lee-Joe for terms of office expiring at the 2025 AGM, and Spiro Pappas for the term of office expiring at the 2023 AGM.
The Football Australia Board now comprises the following members:
- Chris NIKOU – Chair
- Mark BRESCIANO
- Joseph CARROZZI
- Amy DUGGAN
- Heather GARRIOCK
- Anter ISAAC
- Jaclyn LEE-JOE
- Catriona NOBLE
- Spiro PAPPAS
At the AGM, Football Australia’s Members also considered granting Football Coaches Australia Inc. the status of New Member of Football Australia, elevated from their Provisional Membership status. This resolution was not passed by the Members and Football Coaches Australia were not granted the status of New Member of Football Australia.
Following the AGM, Mr. Chris Nikou was installed unanimously by his fellow Directors to the position of Football Australia Chair – a role he has fulfilled since November 2018.
Mr. Nikou said that he was pleased that 2022 was another year of implementation, growth, and strong progress for Australian football as we enter a most exciting period for the game.
“At last year’s AGM, I stated that we had set a strong platform for continued progress and transformation in the year ahead, hoping to adapt to a COVID-normal life with less disruption to the football community at large,” Mr. Nikou said.
“While in 2021 we climbed our way back to more than 1.4 million participants, we are confident that in 2022 (as we finalise our 2022 National Participation Report) we can restore the two million participants we reported in pre-COVID 2019.
“Our 2022 participation figures are a credit to the efforts of our Member Federations, A-League Clubs, Associations, Zones, Community Clubs and our large volunteer base.
“Since becoming Chair in November 2018, we have undergone a period of great change. With 2022 being another year of strong progress and growth, we continue to take transformative steps towards the future, driven by our 15-year vision and by our clear strategic agenda.
“We find ourselves in a solid financial position, having strengthened and diversified our revenue base, evidenced by the strong cash reserves and Members Equity now at $21 million.
“We have almost completed the important and difficult structural changes necessary for the continued evolution and growth of our great game.
“I would also like to thank my fellow Directors, who continue to steer the game so diligently and expertly, and our CEO, James Johnson, and his team, in what has been a progressive year on so many fronts. My gratitude also extends to outgoing Directors, Robyn FitzRoy and Carla Wilshire who have been valuable Directors throughout their terms.
“It is an incredibly proud moment that sees us having two FIFA World Cups to be inspired by in the space of eight months, and I strongly believe there has never been a more exciting time for our game.
“I look forward to the excitement that 2023 brings, with continued stakeholder alignment and buy-in remaining a strong focus as we acknowledge our common interests and act with a unity of purpose to pursue our common goals. It will take courage and boldness to make the right decisions for the broader good of the game,” Mr. Nikou concluded.
In the third year of his tenure, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Johnson, said that Football Australia is a rapidly evolving organisation.
“Since launching our national vision for the game, the XI Principles for the future of Australian football, we have worked diligently to build a fit-for-purpose organisation which has over the past 12 months, delivered one of the most successful years for Australian football.
“Today, Football Australia is a different business to the one we saw at the end of 2020. With a strategic focus on rebuilding the business, it brings me great delight to report that the organisation finds itself in the healthiest financial position it has ever been in,” Mr. Johnson said.
“It has been a year of characterised by action with our vision for the game coming to life through various initiatives.
“Australian football enters one of its most exciting periods as we look ahead to the next 12 months. Our Subway Socceroos are currently competing at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM before we look forward to welcoming the world to our shores as we co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023TM,” Mr. Johnson concluded.
Football Australia’s 2022 Annual Review, which includes financial and strategic updates, as well as reviews of performances and events from Australia’s national teams and competitions throughout FY2021, can be accessed here.
