Frank Lowy to step down as FFA chairman with the game in Australia stronger than ever:
November 13, 2015 8:00pm
MARK BOSNICH
The Daily Telegraph
THE stepping down of Frank Lowy, Phil Wolanski and Bryan Schwartz will officially occur on Monday. After some time in their respective positions, it’s only right that one presents the facts on what has been a watershed moment of Australian football.
When one looks at where the game was, and where it has come to, you cannot help at seeing things for what they are.
And for me and many others that is quite extraordinary.
*A professional league that is televised live every week
*Qualification for three consecutive World Cups
*A Women’s League
*The move to the Asian Confederation
*A major tournament — the Asian Cup — on home soil for the first time
*Deals from television and major sponsors
*And the instigation of a countrywide Cup competition for amateurs, part-timers and full time professionals.
Football fans should be grateful for Frank Lowy’s contribution to the game.
For me these are things only dreamt about all those years ago growing up in Australia.
Have there been mistakes along the way? Of course, but we all make mistakes. But to leave football with those things plus many more is a hell of an achievement.
Lowy, Wolanski and Schwartz are extremely successful businessman and what they have achieved for football in this country is something no one should forget.
Wolanski’s role in the Socceroos set up as Chief of delegation is a prime example of how these men moulded things in a way to benefit the game.
Speaking to players involved during that time, they all attested to his abilities in handling people, the managers and most importantly working in a quiet way to make sure the set-up around the national side was as professional as any in the world.
Being a prime member of the three-man committee to start the Western Sydney Wanderers was also a highlight.
Lowy’s tenure wasn’t perfect — but there have been great successes.
Schwartz, who arrived in Australia from South Africa, became an integral cog in the wheel to make sure the FFA was run as close to a business as possible.
Working through the minefield of Asian Football, Bryan’s perseverance and smarts helped Australia finally gain admission to that confederation. And that led to his vital role of overseeing the organising and putting on of the highly successful Asian Cup tournament which captivated the whole of Australia.
As for Lowy, well what can be said that already has not been said about him?
The bottom line in my opinion is this. Whether people like him or not, without his involvement and influence the game would not be where it is today.
The foundations have been laid for a future where the game can reach its potential. And this is why it is imperative that we continue with that in the future.
The game at the moment is still very young and we do face challenges ahead. We have one of the most competitive sporting landscapes in the world and we need the stability that the imminent appointment of Steven Lowy will bring.
Steven will find in his inbox several issues needed to be dealt with ASAP. Those issues will need to be communicated thoroughly, especially with the A-League club owners.
However before we sink our teeth into the future, with the 10th anniversary of that magical night versus Uruguay looming, one should never forget what these men helped the game of football achieve.