User login
Football Australia Issues Heavy Sanctions
After Melbourne victory received a show-cause notice following the A-League Men derby pitch invasion on December 17, Football Australia imposed the "heaviest" A-League sanctions. When roughly 150 Victory fans stormed the AAMI Park field, they attacked players and officials, damaged the facility, and "brought the game into disrepute," according to the FA.
In addition to an additional $100,000 in lost match revenue, the national governing body has imposed an unprecedented fine of $450,000, the largest-ever financial penalty in Australian football.
In addition to the fine, the club will be subject to a 10-point suspension for any subsequent instances of supporter misconduct over the next three seasons. It is anticipated that the suspended sentence would come to an end with the season of 2025/26 of the A-League Men. The financial penalties are distributed across several areas, including paying up to $150,000 to Melbourne City FC for damage to the venue and equipment, a penalty of $150,000, payable to FA, with a $100,000 suspended penalty for each pitch invasion within the next three seasons.
Additionally, a $50,000 payment to cover the costs of replaying the game, which was abandoned in the 22nd minute with Melbourne City leading 1-0. With this score, the derby will resume in April from this point forward.
Victory said in a statement later that afternoon that they would accept the punishment and concentrate on "revitalizing their match day experience." In addition, the preliminary sporting sanctions imposed over the previous three weeks will continue as a result of the FA's decision. During home games, Melbourne Victory will not be able to sell tickets in the "active" areas. Additionally, the first three rows of seating behind the goals at each "active" end will not be accessible for the rest of the current season or the possible finals series.