One-time FA critic Schwarzer looks to net board role
George Clarke |
Mark Schwarzer, the most-capped Socceroo of all time, is set to make a charge for a director’s position on Football Australia’s board.
AAP understands Schwarzer is one of six candidates vying for three elected director vacancies at FA’s coming AGM.
The retired goalkeeper has carved out a successful post-playing career as a broadcaster and has not been afraid to take FA to task over issues within the sport.
Schwarzer lashed the previous administration in the wake of Australia’s 2022 World Cup group stage loss to France over the cost of participation.
He has been outspoken against state member federations, claiming in 2020 that they have more power than FA as he urged the federal government to shake up the sport’s governance model.
Schwarzer has also bemoaned the internal bickering within the game in Australia but now appears set to be thrust firmly into the sport’s political minefield as he seeks a spot on the board.
The 53-year-old, who earned 109 Australian caps, was appointed to FA’s Football Development Committee in 2024 to which, sources say, he has been a valuable addition.
FA’s board, chaired by Anter Isaac, is without a former player among its members after Heather Garriock’s decision to stand down last year and become the body’s deputy chief executive.
The other five candidates for FA’s board include former Stadiums Queensland chair Cathy McGuane and Paul Bittar, an experienced executive in racing and sports wagering.
Jon Sutton and Mark Goodrick – both with backgrounds in financial services – are also bidding to join the board.
Christine Holman is currently on the panel as an appointed director who is the fifth person seeking to win an elected position.
FA has yet to set a date for the 2026 AGM, its first under new chief executive Martin Kugeler.
Last year’s AGM – where the sport’s governing body posted a loss of $8.5million – was closed to the media.
Financial controller Caroline Veitch left in October last year and has been replaced by former Sydney FC chief executive Adam Santo.
AAP