View from the Chair: Fed Square saved, FSAA gets seat at the APL table, and World Cup preparations continue

Welcome to the May 2026 edition of View from the Chair.

What a huge couple of months it has has been, possibly one of the most significant periods for supporter advocacy in Australian football. From the terraces to the boardrooms, we are seeing real, tangible proof that when football supporters unite, those inside the game (and outside) have to listen.

Fed Square saved: Fan pressure works

The decision by the Victorian Government to overturn its own agency's ban on World Cup lives sites at Federation Square is a massive victory for Australian football culture. When the initial decision was made, it felt like another classic case of fans being sidelined. But the response from the football public was deafening.

This reversal proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that coordinated fan pressure leads to real change. We want to extend a sincere thank you to Football Australia, the relevant government and venue stakeholders who came to the table, and most importantly, the wider football community for getting behind the campaign. We kept our cultural hub.

Landmark agreement signed with the APL

As you will have seen last week, we achieved a watershed moment by officially signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

For too long, A-League supporters have operated without a formal avenue to influence the key decisions that affect our game. This agreement secures an independent, dedicated seat for the FSAA alongside the A-Leagues Fan Representative Group (FRG), and ensures we are a consulted partner on decisions impacting supporter culture and league strategy.

While there's a multitude of issues which need raising with the APL, we look forward to sitting alongside the relevant club-based FRG’s while providing a firm, independent voice for our members and the wider football community on a range of broad, overarching issues.

A-Leagues finals action

On the pitch, we want to extend a huge congratulations to Melbourne City for taking out the A-League Women's Championship. Congratulations to both Melbourne City and Wellington supporters for providing plenty of colour and atmosphere for the occasion.

Attention now turns to Mt Smart Stadium in New Zealand this weekend for what should be an incredible A-League Men's decider between Auckland FC and Sydney FC. We are looking forward to taking in the match and wish safe travels to those supporters travelling to support their team.

However, we have become aware of ticketing issues regarding this weekend's A-League Men's Grand Final, particularly in regards to Away Supporter allocations. Please be assured we have raised this ticketing issue with APL and have asked them to ensure all travelling fans are provided proper away fan seating without any additional cost or excessive logistical tasks.

FSAA links-up with global supporter network for 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, we are making sure Australian supporters are fully informed and protected, whether you are traveling to North America or watching from home.

The FSAA has officially linked up with the Global Fan Network. We are working closely with international supporter bodies including Football Supporters Europe (FSE), the UK's Football Supporters Association (FSA), and the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) in the USA to create enhanced communication channels between the global supporter organisations. This alliance ensures that all critical fan information, safety updates, and logistical details throughout the World Cup will be accurately distributed straight to the Australian football community, in particular those who will be in North America.

A shoutout to local football & our volunteers

Finally, as local football across the country nears the halfway mark of the season, we are starting to look forward to the upcoming rounds of the Australia Cup and the tussle for league positions.

We want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all local clubs and their supporters for another brilliant season so far. Most importantly, we want to give a special shoutout to the thousands of local volunteers. You are the absolute lifeblood of this sport, and it is your early mornings, late nights, and endless dedication that keep our grassroots, State Leagues, and NPL competitions thriving.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the FSAA. Enjoy the football this weekend!

Cheers,

Patrick Clancy
Chair, Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA)