Socceroos captain Maty Ryan has weighed in on the APL’s decision to move the A-League Grand Final to Sydney for the next three years.
The decision announced by the APL on Monday morning has been heavily criticised by fans, media, and current and former A-League players, as the APL looks set to re-evaluate its decision.
Despite APL CEO Danny Townsend pleaded his case by stating the game needs to create traditions, the decision is yet to have the desired impact on the fanbase.
Speaking to SEN Ryan claimed the current system of A-League Grand Finals is a good system and acknowledged the large amount of backlash.
“I saw Craig Goodwin’s reaction to that decision, I believe it’s fair, I think the NRL has something similar in place with the Grand Final being in Sydney,” Ryan said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.
I wanted to clear things up publicly. I may be in the video for the @aleaguemen choice to host Grand Finals in Sydney, but I do not support it.
— Craig Goodwin (@craig_goodwin11) December 12, 2022
I am a player, but I am also a fan. pic.twitter.com/e451tZcR98
“I think the system they had in place beforehand was a really good one, obviously rewarding the team that has been successful throughout the season.
“For the supporters of the club, they’re the most important thing in this aspect, to get (a) reward for being the most successful club and hosting the Grand Final, if you’re the highest ranked team that has finished in the Grand Final, I quite like that system myself.
“I seen there’s been a bit of backlash on it, but I guess it remains to be seen what unfolds from here on out on that matter.”
Ryan competed in two and won one A-League Grand Final with the Mariners during his three-year stint with at Central Coast.
The APL is yet to confirm the results from an emergency meeting that was called on Tuesday morning.