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Football Federation Australia has hit back this afternoon against Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer's comments on the Hyundai A-League. Palmer labelled the league "a joke" this weekend, stating he believes rugby league to be a better game than football.
"Football fans across Australia will today rightfully condemn the lack of respect inherent in comments made by Clive Palmer," said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
"The comments are offensive to the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers who are the life and soul of Australian football.
"We welcomed Clive into the game and lauded his investment, but no matter how frustrated Clive may feel about his involvement, these comments are out of order.
"I remind Clive that as a chairman and owner of a club, he has obligations to the competition, his fellow club chairman and investors in the other nine clubs, and to the game itself."
"The comments are offensive to the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers who are the life and soul of Australian football.
"We welcomed Clive into the game and lauded his investment, but no matter how frustrated Clive may feel about his involvement, these comments are out of order.
"I remind Clive that as a chairman and owner of a club, he has obligations to the competition, his fellow club chairman and investors in the other nine clubs, and to the game itself."
This slamming rebuttal by the FFA will now bring Gold Coast United's future in the Hyundai A-League into further question. The club, who have yet to re-sign the bulk of their playing roster, have dwindling crowd numbers, and sit bottom of the ladder, are in dire straits. These shocking comments from Palmer could be the final straw for the governing body and they now may look into rescinding the Gold Coast's A-League franchise.