The A-League has announced that the next three Grand Finals will be hosted at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium which has angered football fans.
Prior to the announcement, the team who finished higher on the ladder during the regular season earnt the right to host the Grand Final.
CEO of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), Danny Townsend, said that the change to a fixed Grand Final venue presented a “unique opportunity”.
The announcement has largely been condemned by Australian football fans but Code Sports’ Adam Peacock says that he understands why the decision has been made.
“I get the (negative) reaction but I understand the financials of it,” Peacock said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Danny Townsend didn’t wake up one morning and said ‘I’m a sydneysider and I want the Grand Final in Sydney’.
“The 12 clubs made a decision on it.
“The NSW Government, like all state governments these days, are in the market for big events and sport is right in that wheelhouse.
“The NSW Government have invested heavily in bringing Matildas game to Sydney and bringing the Socceroos.
“I understand why they’ve done it but it doesn’t quite sit comfortably yet.”
Destination NSW is projecting that the deal with APL to host the A-League Grand Final will generate $26 million of tourism expenditure.
Unlike the AFL and NRL Grand Finals which don’t change location, the A-League separated itself from the major sporting codes by having a change in venues.
Peacock said that unfortunately, one of the unique qualities of the A-League is now lost.
“It doesn’t sit comfortably with me,” Peacock added.
“Some of the greatest days I’ve been involved with were Adelaide United’s Grand Final, Brisbane Roar’s Grand Final and Perth Glory’s Grand Final.
“I did like the on-the-road nature of it.”
The NSW Government reportedly paid an eight-figure sum to host the Men and Women’s A-League finals.