Perth Glory has officially accepted the sanctions imposed by Football Federation Australia (FFA) for salary cap breaches, ending a legal challenge that sought to overturn the penalties. The club was fined $269,000 and excluded from the 2014/15 finals series after being found guilty of exceeding the salary cap by more than $400,000.
The decision came shortly after Glory chief executive Jason Brewer resigned from his position. The club had initially contested the FFA board's authority to impose the sanctions, arguing that the case should have been handled by an independent disciplinary committee from the start. However, following a hearing before that committee on Wednesday night, the club accepted the findings.
A Glory spokesperson stated that the hearing was 'extremely thorough' and that the club was well served by bringing the matter to a resolution. 'The club received a real opportunity to be heard by the independent disciplinary committee members and put its case,' the spokesperson said. 'Following this process the club has reached the view that it was within FFA's power to make the decision and apply the sanction.'
FFA chief executive David Gallop said the governing body would assist Perth Glory with future salary cap processes and would not impose further punishment despite a foreshadowed third show cause notice regarding another breach this season. 'Compliance with the salary cap is critical to the integrity of the A-League,' Gallop said. 'We can now quickly move on from this matter and enjoy an exciting finale to the regular season and the finals series.'
Gallop also noted that Brewer had accepted full responsibility and acted alone, and that the FFA would work with Glory chairman Tony Sage to ensure the club rebuilds and implements processes to prevent future breaches.
