APL CEO Danny Townsend has opened up on the process and ultimate decision for Sydney to host the A-League Grand Final for the next three years.
The deal which was announced on Monday morning has been heavily criticised by fans, pundits and former players alike, with the consensus view being that the APL is prioritising money over the fans.
The APL confirmed that a deal worth over $10 million dollars had been struck with the NSW Government for Sydney to become the destination of the Grand Final.
Speaking to SEN Townsend opened up on the decision to move the Grand Final and confidently stated his belief in it becoming a success.
“There was consultation with (all) the clubs we wouldn’t go to this decision without that, we certainly had a spirited debate amongst CEO’s and fans in the fan groups we did,” Townsend said on SEN The Global Game.
“The one thing that everyone landed on is that we need to do things differently, our game is 18 years old, and we don’t have the tradition of other codes and we need to start building them somewhere.
“Change is difficult, the initial reaction is always going to be emotional… this is one we’ve worked on for some time, we hope and think in the fullness of time we will look back at this moment and people will be grateful that we had the confidence to make this decision.”
Townsend admitted the criticism on social media was vocalised by fans who were consulted by the APL prior to the announcement.
“We did some fan focus groups, none of what you’re reading or seeing on social media this morning didn’t come out in those sessions, it was very clear that fans' initial reactions would be ‘this is crazy’,” Townsend said.
“I think when they sat down and listened to the rationale and what it might be in ten years when the nation stops for a week in a capital city to celebrate football.
“The easy thing for me to do as the CEO and from an APL board perspective is to do nothing and just keep doing the same thing and expect change to happen organically.
“We’re not going to get everything right, but this one we believe is in the best interest of the long-term sustainability of the league and its major event strategy.”
Despite Townsend’s comments, Melbourne Victory released a contrary statement hours after the announcement vocalising their wish to host a Grand Final in Victoria.
“Melbourne Victory’s preference is, and always will be, to play any Grand Final (that we earn the right to host) in front of our fans at our spiritual home and what we believe to be the best football stadium in Australia, AAMI Park,” a statement read.
“Post the League’s announcement today, we will work with our members, fans and partners to make sure they can support Melbourne Victory and continue to be a part of these big games.”