Hyundai A-League 2008 Finals Series Launched
Football Federation Australia CEO, Ben Buckley, and Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO, Steve Yeo, together with representatives of the Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and Queensland Roar today officially launched the Hyundai A-League 2008 Finals Series in Sydney.
“The finish of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Season was the closest in the short history of the competition and was not something you could script or plan for, but it capped off a memorable home and away series and demonstrated that ‘90 minutes. 90 emotions- was not just an advertising tag line, said Mr Buckley.
“The crowds, which have again been fantastic, have increased by 13% increase with the average Hyundai A-League crowd just over 14,600.”
"In fact four clubs (Adelaide United, Central Coast Mariners, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix) have set new home crowd records this season which is testament to the growing interest in the sport.
“On the field we have seen the successful return of current and former Socceroos such as Tony Popovic, John Aloisi, Craig Moore and Paul Agostino who are not only heroes for many young fans, but also mentors for young players, and are a significant pool of talent to draw on in for the further growth and development of the game.
"At the other end of the scale we have witnessed young players such as Michael Zullo, Robbie Kruse, Tahj Minnecon, Kaz Patafta, Nikita Rukavytsa and James Holland who have burst onto the scene.
Buckley acknowledged the valued support of commercial partners Hyundai, Qantas, Telstra, Powerade, Ballantines, Zurich, Foxtel and Fox Sports and anticipated a very exciting Hyundai A-League 2008 Finals Series.
The Hyundai A-League 2008 Finals Series begins this Friday night (25 January 2008) when Sydney FC host the Queensland in the first leg of the Minor Semi-Final at the Sydney Football Stadium Stadium (Kick-off 8:00pm AEDT), whilst the Newcastle Jets and the Central Coast Mariners go head to head in the first leg of the Major Semi-Final on Sunday afternoon (27 January 2008) at EnergyAustralia Stadium (Kick-Off 6:00pm AEDT).
Hyundai A-League Television partner, Fox Sports, will broadcast every Hyundai A-League 2008 Final Series match “Live and Exclusive” including an extended one-hour pre-match coverage of the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final.