Australian dissent grows over sale of Grand Finals accommodation

December 13 – Anthony Di Pietro (pictured) has resigned as manager of the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) amid lingering fallout over the controversial decision to sell hosting rights for the game-changing 'Grand Final' the title in Sydney until 2025.

The Melbourne Victory chairman has admitted his decision, effective immediately, is directly linked to the controversial decision to play the men's and women's showpiece matches in a single pre-determined host city.

“It became clear that for me to act in the best interests of Melbourne Victory and football in Victoria, I had to step down as a member of the APL board,” said Di Pietro.< /p>

"My resignation was ultimately prompted by the decision...which sees the next three Grand Finals to be held in Sydney."

While I know firsthand that the decision by APL was made with the aim of developing the game and creating financial sustainability for the league, the sentiment from fans and members has been overwhelming and I do not cannot support upholding a decision that is not in the best interests of the loyal Melbourne Victory faithful and the game of football.”

The A-League decider has already been taken to all five major capitals in the competition's nearly 20-year history and the decision to award hosting rights to a city has been welcomed by a backlash from fans, some of whom have promised a walkout in this Saturday's derby between Melbourne's two biggest clubs.

"To (CEO) Danny Townsend and the rest of the Premier League: You have until Saturday to reverse this decision or one of your biggest games will be played in front of an empty stadium", fan group from Victory "Original Style Melbourne" says on social media.

Melbourne Victory chief executive Caroline Carnegie said the move was short-sighted given Australia's success at the World Cup in Qatar.

"We have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growth of the game following the success of the Socceroos campaign, and leading the Women's World Cup in Australia next year, and to do that we need the professional game thrives, with fans at the heart of our thinking,” she said.

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