Capital Football Faces Scrutiny Over Governance of Canberra Soccer
Capital Football chief executive Samantha Farrow has publicly defended the governing body's handling of a series of recent controversies that have rocked the Canberra soccer community. While standing by the organisation's actions, Farrow conceded that in some areas, they had "dropped the ball a little bit".
Gungahlin United Collapse and Financial Fallout
The demise of Gungahlin United, Canberra's largest soccer club, has been a significant point of contention. The club went bust following financial mismanagement, leaving it nearly $700,000 in debt. Capital Football, along with the ACT government, faced criticism for not intervening sooner to prevent families from paying deposits for the upcoming season just days before the club's collapse.
Both the governing body and the government were among the creditors owed money as part of Gungahlin's longstanding debt. Farrow emphasised that clubs are independent entities responsible for their own finances. "We followed our policies and procedures that are in place now in regards to Gungahlin, but the clubs are independent organisations," she told the ABC. "They're responsible for their own finances."
Farrow noted that warning signs were detected, with correspondence sent to the club requesting meetings and resolutions, which ultimately led to its natural conclusion. She assured that homes have been found for all former Gungahlin United players wishing to continue playing and expressed hope that those left with a "bitter taste in their mouth" would return to the sport.
Futsal Nationals and Cost Concerns
Another issue involved the absence of ACT girls' teams at this year's futsal national championships on the Gold Coast. Capital Football sent only five teams—an open women's team and four boys' teams—despite having selected three girls' squads. Farrow attributed this to the exorbitant costs of travelling to the Gold Coast in early January, which she described as "out of control" and led to virtually every player withdrawing.
This situation prompted former Capital Football board member Garth Morrison to call for an independent review of the governing body. In response, Farrow outlined plans to reduce costs for the next three years, as the nationals are set to remain on the Gold Coast. "We're already starting work with accommodation providers to see if we can lock away a couple of options to make it easier for families, and try and do some bulk bookings," she said. "Yes, we dropped the ball a little bit on not being quite prepared for that. But I don't think any of us understood the cost of [the] Gold Coast in the second week of January."
Canberra United's Uncertain Future
Capital Football has also acknowledged for the past couple of years that it cannot continue funding Canberra United, the A-League Women's club, which has required several government bailouts. Hopes for a Canberra A-League Men's team to take over United's operations have stalled due to a lack of owners.
Farrow has called on the Australian Professional Leagues, which run the A-Leagues, to find an investor to assume control of United at the season's end. She suggested that the sale of the Central Coast Mariners might attract potential buyers. "It is my understanding that there are buyers that are talking to the A-League that are interested in a women's-only club," Farrow said. "So I believe there is still a door open if there is no men's team. But right now no final decisions have been made. It's just that the current model that we operate under isn't viable long term."
As Capital Football navigates these challenges, the organisation remains under pressure to demonstrate effective governance and secure the future of soccer in the ACT.
