Hyundai A-League Grand Final confirmed for Sydney
Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirmed today that the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final will be held in Sydney, at either ANZ Stadium or Sydney Football Stadium.
“Our priority is to ensure that those who want to see the Grand Final do not miss out due to the stadium being too small,” said CEO of FFA, Ben Buckley.
“We had sell-out crowds in Sydney and Melbourne at the Grand Finals in the first two years of the Hyundai A-League and I do not want the situation where people are locked-out of the game.”
The two teams vying for a springboard into the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final on Sunday 24 February, Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets, only have stadium capacity of 20,000 and 26,000 respectively.
“We anticipate that each of these clubs will provide 20,000 supporters for the Grand Final.
“If we were to keep the Grand Final at either of their home grounds, it would leave little or no capacity for supporters of the opposing team, or the many thousands of Hyundai A-League fans who just want to be part of the biggest game of the year.”
Buckley also said it is not unusual for sport to have neutral venues for marquee games.
“The FA Cup, the NFL Superbowl, the NRL Grand Final and the AFL Grand Final are notable examples.
“We believe the Hyundai A-League Grand Final, as the most important game of the year in the competition, should be given the status it deserves - and that-s what we-re doing.”