AFL chief takes FFA role

[Showstealer]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20721815-23215,00.html

BEN Buckley, the AFL's chief operating officer, will be unveiled as the successor to outgoing Football Federation Australia chief executive John O'Neill later today.

Staff at football's headquarters have been informed of their new boss, who comes from Australian rules football to the FFA at a crucial time in the game's development Down Under.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy believes Buckley, a former Kangaroos Australian rules football star turned sports administrator, is the best man to capitalise on the world game's post-World Cup gains after an exhaustive search both at home and abroad.

A former Nike marketing executive in Japan, Buckley was the brains behind the AFL's record-breaking TV deal with Channels 7 and 10.

O'Neill, who is due to depart in March after resigning a little more than two months ago, has effectively been rendered a lame duck ahead of the expected arrival of Buckley in two months time.

Buckley played 74 games for the Kangaroos between 1986 and 1993 before becoming a bachelor of applied science and embarking on a high-flying post-footy career.

He returned to Queensland as general manager and vice president of Australasia operations for video game company EA Sports's after 1996 and joined the AFL in 1999.

Buckley is thought to have beaten some big-name competition to the high-profile post.

International Olympic Committee consultant Craig McLatchey, former English Football Association chief executive David Davies, and former National Rugby League boss David Moffett were all believed to have been on the FFA's hitlist.

The FFA has called a press conference this afternoon at it's Sydney headquarters to officially unveil its new boss.

[El Zilcho]

please let this be a joke. has Lowy gone senile?

[acmilan_victory]

wow i duno what to say.

[Daims09]

Interesting appointment....

Guessing we will have to wait and see..

[TruBlu]

Simply, this may be viewed 2 ways:

1st: afl plant to destroy the FFA.

2nd: May woo afl supporters to football

[MVFC_082]

We have a mole in the ranks :mad:

[acmilan_victory]

At least it'll get coverage on SEN now...

[ThePrez]

relax you numpties


this bloke is arugably the best there is in this country and is a massive coup for FFA.

trust me, AFL will be spewing aobut this, just becase he has worked for the AFL doesnt mean he is going to be crap.

look at O'Neil, openly admits he didnt know a thing about that game, didnt stop him from doing a great job though

[sj]

Good move.

This guy is highly intelligent and I'm sure Lowy, as always, went to every length possible to find the right man. I see no reason to distrust him, considering John O'Neill was a former Rugby man.

[acmilan_victory]

Good move.

This guy is highly intelligent and I'm sure Lowy, as always, went to every length possibly to find the right man. I see no reason to trust him, considering John O'Neill was a former Rugby man.

Agree mate.

[Daims09]

relax you numpties


this bloke is arugably the best there is in this country and is a massive coup for FFA.

trust me, AFL will be spewing aobut this.

Yer I think so too..

BWB has an AFL mole... so i'll make contact and get back to ya with their reaction.

I hope with his appointment so early it gives a good time for O'Niell to bring him up to speed.

I still hope O'Niell will be involved with football.

These two as team could drive us even further foward.

[El Zilcho]

look at O'Neil, openly admits he didnt know a thing about that game, didnt stop him from doing a great job though

Rugby Union is an international sport. Its club competition is run over 3 countries, it has a popular world cup and national team. All of these are very applicable to football. AFL has none of these, and i think this guy could well be out of his depth, considering the other names that were linked to the role.

[acmilan_victory]

Rugby Union is an international sport. Its club competition is run over 3 countries, it has a popular world cup and national team. All of these are very applicable to football. AFL has none of these, and i think this guy could well be out of his depth, considering the other names that were linked to the role.

who else was linked?

[Dasher39]

It's already being discussed here (http://www.melbournevictory.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19957).

The mods may want to merge the threads.

[AlexTG]

Rugby Union is an international sport. Its club competition is run over 3 countries, it has a popular world cup and national team. All of these are very applicable to football. AFL has none of these, and i think this guy could well be out of his depth, considering the other names that were linked to the role.
They're probably thinking more about what he can do for the A-league than international football?

[El Zilcho]

who else was linked?

David Davies, former CEO of the English FA and Craig McLatcheym an Australian who works as an IOC consultant.

[s3tTz]

Good move.

This guy is highly intelligent and I'm sure Lowy, as always, went to every length possible to find the right man. I see no reason to trust him, considering John O'Neill was a former Rugby man.

You don't trust him? Or did you mean to say "I see no reason not to trust him"?

Must be those late nights you're having. Rebel. :p ;)

Back on topic, I see this appointment as a shot across the bow of the AFL. Ben Buckley would have inside knowledge on how the AFL operates, along with some excellent corporate contacts. Very good appointment. :)

[Northeyfc]

It is funny to see people's reaction to this. Bloody hell aren't we forgetting where O'Neill came from. In my opionion this is a decent move. The AFL is by a long way the most successful sporting body in Australia making $ after $ and this guy has had a big stake in this. Lowry knows his stuff and this guy wouldn't have been appointed if he wasn't good. Only time will tell but I reakon this guy will be alright even though he dosn't have a fussball backgroud.

[ThePrez]

Rugby Union is an international sport. Its club competition is run over 3 countries, it has a popular world cup and national team. All of these are very applicable to football. AFL has none of these, and i think this guy could well be out of his depth, considering the other names that were linked to the role.

geez, get past the AFL thing

he worked for Nike as well as EA Sports

to massive company that are based around the world.

if he was a donkey why do you think the AFL got him?

trust me, people see "AFL" and go into hysterics on this site

this is a big signing and a big coup for the FFA

[Daims09]

If you think of it..

O'Niell has done a hell of alot to push on the international stage... and to that the job is complete... We are in Asia... and now known around the world.

This to me will be a good appointment... and push the development here in oz which we need to do now.

Have no doubt that O'Niell will still be involved in football in some way.. and the big rumour is he already has a job with FIFA when he leaves.

So all in all big plus for the game.

Im sure all will be revealed in an hours time.

[sj]

You don't trust him? Or did you mean to say "I see no reason not to trust him"?

Must be those late nights you're having. Rebel. :p ;)

Hahaha, shit I wish I could go back and not post that! :o

[s3tTz]

he worked for Nike as well as EA Sports

Do you think A-League will now be included in FIFA08? :D

[Daims09]

Do you think A-League will now be included in FIFA08? :D

:D :D :D :D

Its a given!!!

His appointment is worth every penny just there :D

[s3tTz]

:D :D :D :D

Its a given!!!

His appointment is worth every penny just there :D
Woohoo! The end of 1000 posts asking the same inane question is a nigh. :D

[DA_DON]

Can't imagine the AFL being too pleased about this.......

[DOGGA]

It is funny to see people's reaction to this. Bloody hell aren't we forgetting where O'Neill came from. In my opionion this is a decent move. The AFL is by a long way the most successful sporting body in Australia making $ after $ and this guy has had a big stake in this. Lowry knows his stuff and this guy wouldn't have been appointed if he wasn't good. Only time will tell but I reakon this guy will be alright even though he dosn't have a fussball backgroud.

Agreed.

A guy with international marketing experience with Nike.
Domestic sporting competition administration with AFL.
A sportsman who understands sport.
An Australian too. (No offense to those who aren't)

Lowy has found a winner.
Obviously Buckley is a guy who is ready to take the challenge on.

Good luck from a fellow Ben.

[Socceroo_06]

Agreed.

A guy with international marketing experience with Nike.
Domestic sporting competition administration with AFL.
A sportsman who understands sport.
An Australian too. (No offense to those who aren't)

Lowy has found a winner.
Obviously Buckley is a guy who is ready to take the challenge on.

Good luck from a fellow Ben.

yeh agreed. I think another reason he has been chosen is because he has worked in Japan for 6 years or something. Since we are in Asia now, i would say this would be a massive bonus to have him on board.

Also we need another aussie CEO because they understand the Australian sporting landscape, which is key to footballs success in this country. For too long football admins here have been trying to emulate europe without taking into account our congested sporting market. Until football is a totally integrated sport in the australian psyche, we should continue with these types of CEO's.

[Dasher39]

Slightly off topic, but news on O'Neill.

O'Neill to join Tourism Australia board (http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/ONeill-to-join-Tourism-Australia-board/2006/11/08/1162661734420.html)
November 8, 2006 - 1:44PM

Sports administrator John O'Neill has been appointed to the board of Tourism Australia after quitting as Australia's soccer chief.

"John O'Neill is an enormously qualified person," said Tourism Minister Fran Bailey.

"With a strong commercial background and years of experience as a CEO, I am confident John will make an excellent contribution."

Mr O'Neill recently announced his resignation as chief executive of the Football Federation Australia.

His replacement will be announced by the federation on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr O'Neill was previously chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union.

[~PC~]

relax you numpties


this bloke is arugably the best there is in this country and is a massive coup for FFA.

trust me, AFL will be spewing aobut this, just becase he has worked for the AFL doesnt mean he is going to be crap.

look at O'Neil, openly admits he didnt know a thing about that game, didnt stop him from doing a great job though

I love you... In a manly type of way.

Look at his background in a business sense, not in a OMG GAYFL retarded fashion.

[Liam]

Cracking surname as well. If hes as good as the player, then football is going places in Australia:D

Seriously I think its a good appointment. Theres not many with a better resume then him, and also he will know how AFL have run things successfully domestically.

As long as he doesnt merge all the clubs into the same home ground, takes away freedom of speech at press conferences and change the rules every five minutes to attract more supporters then we will be doing fine.

[gweeds]

Interesting move for us Victorians. It may shift the 'NSW bias' in the FFA. Also Buckley was the one who I think liaised with radio stations for the matches coverage and the one who was part of the 'twilight games' in the AFL. His contacts will be quite useful in our AFL-biased town.

[Victory2006]

Yer I think so too..

BWB has an AFL mole... so i'll make contact and get back to ya with their reaction.

I hope with his appointment so early it gives a good time for O'Niell to bring him up to speed.

I still hope O'Niell will be involved with football.

These two as team could drive us even further foward.

Jesus Christ, you're lucky that last word ends in an 'e' and not in a 'l'. :D

[kewell10]

Id say the record tv rights deal he got for the AFL which was something like $720 million didnt hurt his chances .

[Dasher39]

The official release from the FFA:

Ben Buckley appointed as new FFA CEO (http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=10436)
Wednesday, 8 November 2006

The Chairman of Football Federation Australia, Mr Frank Lowy, today announced the appointment of Mr Ben Buckley as the new Chief Executive Officer of FFA.

Mr Buckley is currently Chief Operating Officer of the AFL and one of Australia’s most highly regarded sporting administrators.

During his seven years with the AFL, he has been integral to the growth and success of that sport with direct responsibility for most of the major commercial, broadcasting and strategic developments of the code in recent years.

Mr Lowy said he was delighted that Mr Buckley had agreed to accept the position with FFA which will take effect in December.

“Ben is the best of the new generation of Australia’s sporting administrators. He has the track record and undoubted potential to consolidate the gains football has made in the past three years and take the sport to the next level, both in Australia and internationally,” he said.

“He has a wealth of experience at the grass roots and at the highest commercial and strategic level of sport, as well as the energy and enthusiasm to match football’s potential.

“He is very well regarded within the broader sporting community and the corporate sector and enjoys an excellent relationship with governments, broadcasters and major sponsors.”

Mr Buckley said: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity by Frank and the Board of FFA to lead the next phase for Football in Australia and look forward to meeting the challenge and creating opportunities for further growth.

“Football has made some giant leaps forward in the last few years with the success of the launch of the Hyundai A-League and the recent World Cup performance and I look forward to working with the team at FFA and the wider Football Community to build on those foundations and accelerate the growth”.

Mr Lowy said Mr Buckley would build on the strong foundation established by outgoing CEO John O’Neill.

“John has earned a place in the hearts of all football supporters for the hard work and professionalism he brought to the organisation,” he said.

“He joined me when Old Soccer was still a smoking ruin, and in a few short but incredibly busy years put in place the foundations for the long-term success of the game.”



Ben Buckley - biographical summary



• Played 74 games with the Kangaroos in the AFL between 1986 and 1993 and was vice-captain from 1990 to 1992;

• Bachelor of Applied Science;

• Director of Marketing for Nike in Australia in 1994. Became Nike’s director of marketing in Japan in 1996;

• General Manager and Vice President Australasia for EA Sports;

• Joined the AFL in 1999 as General Manager - Commercial Operations, was appointed General Manager - Broadcasting, Strategy and Major Projects and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in late 2005. As Chief Operating Officer he has had responsibility for Strategic Planning, negotiating and managing AFL Media Contracts, Venue agreements and Facilities development, Competition scheduling and planning the growth of the Game in emerging markets.

[acmilan_victory]

I love how Buckley is calling it Football already :)

[alastair]

Best news ever.

[Melbourne Boys]

relax you numpties


this bloke is arugably the best there is in this country and is a massive coup for FFA.

trust me, AFL will be spewing aobut this, just becase he has worked for the AFL doesnt mean he is going to be crap.

look at O'Neil, openly admits he didnt know a thing about that game, didnt stop him from doing a great job though

Agree

Lets see how he goes before passing judgement

[ahah]

I think its a great decision and have heard great things about him. I also agree that the work he did it Japan is a big bonus.

And some people might want to read this (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6193356#post6193356) to see what AFL fans think of Ben Buckley. Already a few interesting posts about what he did in the AFL, though I'm am sure there will be plenty of idiots bagging the game on thier.

[vbwhite]

Looking at bigfooty forums, a few on there rate him very highly:

Will leave a massive hole at the AFL - the smartest operator down there by a mile

IMO a good move by the FFA, al guy like him is what we need at the moment.

[Garzi]

woooo melbourne bias..lol

[ThePrez]

Cracking surname as well. If hes as good as the player, then football is going places in Australia:D

Seriously I think its a good appointment. Theres not many with a better resume then him, and also he will know how AFL have run things successfully domestically.

As long as he doesnt merge all the clubs into the same home ground, takes away freedom of speech at press conferences and change the rules every five minutes to attract more supporters then we will be doing fine.

that would be demitrispew you are referring to their

[kewell10]

what a kick in the guts to Andrew Demetrio.He'll be wondering what he did wrong to not be offered the job.Apparently the FFA's CEO positition is twice the salary as the AFL's.

[melbourne's finest]

maybe he can get the authorities at Telstra dome a bit more relaxed!!!!

[Dasher39]

The new man:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/common/imagedata/0,5001,5298469,00.jpg

[Daims09]

Slightly off topic, but news on O'Neill.

Not a bad move for us either...

Means John will have no conflict... As I said he will still be apart of football.

[Socceroo_06]

to all the dickheads saying he is a going to be a mole for the AFL.....STFU.

Who are you serously?? The farken FBI, CIA!!!

Give the bloke a go. He is probably the guy who wrote all the strategic plans for the AFL for the next decade!! This is more a loss for the AFL than it is a gain for the FFA, and don't get me wrong, the gain is massive.

[Daims09]

Jesus Christ, you're lucky that last word ends in an 'e' and not in a 'l'. :D

;)

[s3tTz]

to all the dickheads saying he is a going to be a mole for the AFL.....STFU.

Who are you serously?? The farken FBI, CIA!!!

Give the bloke a go. He is probably the guy who wrote all the strategic plans for the AFL for the next decade!! This is more a loss for the AFL than it is a gain for the FFA, and don't get me wrong, the gain is massive.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Mole_%28body_part%29.jpg
MOOOOOOLE!!!!!!!!!!!

:D

[MVFCMUFC]

People have to realise this is strictly business and sometimes allegences can be forogtten.

Ben buckley's done the job at the AFL for a few years and for such a big organisation in Australian Sport, he will be an asset to the FFA.

[Ascoli Calcio]

Exactly. People who are saying this is bad are just dickheads. You really think that a bloke on millions per year would be trying to fuck it up?

A-Grade administrator, and Lowy showed with JO'N you dont need to be a football man to have a fantastic effect. He's been one of the head honchos in Australia's most profitable sport, so I'd expect he knows what he's doing.

[Gunner10]

I don't think anyone here is actually saying "this is bad" ... you guys, should read the thread carefully before posting.

I think the fact that this guy referred to football by its proper name will really irk the AFL and those morons who want football to fail in Australia :). Great stuff!

[Blinkey Bill]

Good appointment, well done FFA!

[MDL]

Can't believe he left!!! And this just after the HUGELY successful "International Rules" series....he will now miss seeing the AFL achieve world domination.......VIC, SA, WA, Tassie, NT, Naru & now Ireland...it was nearly complete.....bad move by Ben....

[hellas7]

Can't believe he left!!! And this just after the HUGELY successful "International Rules" series....he will now miss seeing the AFL achieve world domination.......VIC, SA, WA, Tassie, NT, Naru & now Ireland...it was nearly complete.....bad move by Ben....

He has come over from "egg ball" though, isnt that a big no no?

[s3tTz]

Can't believe he left!!! And this just after the HUGELY successful "International Rules" series....he will now miss seeing the AFL achieve world domination.......VIC, SA, WA, Tassie, NT, Naru & now Ireland...it was nearly complete.....bad move by Ben....
:D

[Greenwood]

A smart move from Frank Lowy, and look at how AFL man Brian Waldron is doing a top job at Melbourne Storm. They know the situation and are brilliant at marketing

[Socceroo_06]

anyone watching ten news, the top sporting story was entitled:
"Buckley turns his back on the AFL for SOKKA". --> I lolled!

[s3tTz]

This article from afl.com.au reads more like an obituary. :D
Buckley departs AFL (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=305960)
3:30:37 PM Wed 8 November, 2006
Jennifer Witham
Sportal for afl.com.au

The AFL has lost one of its most senior executives following the surprise appointment of its chief operating officer Ben Buckley as the new chief executive of the Football Federation of Australia.

Buckley's appointment was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, ending the long search for a replacement for John O'Neill, who oversaw a massive transformation of soccer in Australia, with the creation of the A-League and the first appearance by the Socceroos in the World Cup finals for 32 years.

Like O'Neill, who was managing director of the Australian Rugby Union before switching codes, Buckley also has no experience in soccer but his business credentials are impressive, having previously held positions such as Nike marketing executive and general manager and vice president of Australasia operations for EA Sports.

He joined the AFL in 1999 and was a main player in the AFL's record-breaking television rights deal with Channels 7 and 10. He also oversaw many of the league's most recent stadium deals and was the AFL executive charged with creating and managing the fixture process each year.

The league said it was disappointed to lose Buckley's services but congratulated him on his new role with the FFA.

Also reported to have been considered for the FFA role are IOC consultant Craig McLatchey, former English Football Association chief executive David Davies and former NRL boss David Moffett.

Buckley joins the FFA at a particularly important time in the game's development as it attempts to continue to expand after the success of the World Cup.

O'Neill is set to join the board of Tourism Australia, with the federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey announcing earlier on Wednesday O'Neill will offer a strong contribution to the tourism sector and will take up the position on December 1 until June 30, 2009.Altogether now, 1...2...3...

"Awwwwwww!" :(

:D

[futuremelvicstar]

Just on 9 then i like this bloke now that i have seen who he is. He seems very proffesional and he said that Football truely is the world game and that appeals to him proffesionally and Personally. In other words he discovered a a real sport:P . All serious though if you think about it he has the chance to work overseas also with AFL it is mainly just in Australia. With the world game he gets the chance to work all over the world and mybe he wishes to work overseas some day so he wants that on his rez.Just a thought.

[futuremelvicstar]

He actually used the word football.

Did he easily changed i know that channel nine didn't thats why it was in my head. Soccer just looks out of place to me.

[Pogi]

anyone watching ten news, the top sporting story was entitled:
"Buckley turns his back on the AFL for SOKKA". --> I lolled!

Channel 9 sports guy just said " Soccer 1 - AFL 0 " LOLZ

[MDL]

Buckley worked for Nike in Japan....so he would have a good understanding of the money companies devote to Football compared to AFL & our true global & Asian appeal.....
I think he will hammer the Asian angle as that is a huge achilles heal for the AFL, who have tried with virtually no success to get Australian Asians into AFL.....

[hellasboy]

what a joke

[Daims09]

This article from afl.com.au reads more like an obituary. :D
Altogether now, 1...2...3...

"Awwwwwww!" :(

:D

:D

[Daims09]

Channel 9 sports guy just said " Soccer 1 - AFL 0 " LOLZ

:D :D :D

anyone watching ten news, the top sporting story was entitled:
"Buckley turns his back on the AFL for SOKKA". --> I lolled!

:D :D

Difference in reporting is funny...

10 are worse the 7 lol

[MDL]

what a joke

agree....Mitrakis would have been a better option....:rolleyes:

[Daims09]

agree....Mitrakis would have been a better option....:rolleyes:

LOL

[kewell10]

No mole here with the money he will be on this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ben.With his experience in working in the Asian market with Nike and EA sports he already has one up on John Oneill who i dont think had any working history with Asia.Dont let his AFL history influence your opinion of him as he is a very respected individual especially with the Free to air tv station bosses and he could be very important for our code when it comes to trying to push the Aleague to frr to air.

[Socceroo_06]

agree....Mitrakis would have been a better option....:rolleyes:

fuck that bring back Tony Labbozzetta!!!!!!!

[jonk]

It's a very good move for me.

VERY good move. We have a guy who knows our biggest aggressor inside and out. :)

[kewell10]

what a joke
Whats a joke?

[AVictoryFan]

It would be awesome if HE could be the one to oragnise an international FRIENDLY versues Ireland to repair any damage caused to our good and fair sporting national status by the recent international rules game!

[dav1878]

Buckley worked for Nike in Japan....so he would have a good understanding of the money companies devote to Football compared to AFL & our true global & Asian appeal.....
I think he will hammer the Asian angle as that is a huge achilles heal for the AFL, who have tried with virtually no success to get Australian Asians into AFL.....

Asians dont really like AFL that much unless you're the bogan asian type.
Even here in bulldogs heartland 95% of them couldnt give a shit.

[MDL]

Demetriou is putting a spin on it....saying he could one day become CEO of the AFL...why would he want to take a step backwards & a pay cut?....After moving in Football circles at the highest level, AFL will look like a primary school sports carnival.....

[MDL]

Asians dont really like AFL that much unless you're the bogan asian type.
Even here in bulldogs heartland 95% of them couldnt give a shit.

That's what I am saying...Asia=Football

[Simon]

Rugby Union is an international sport. Its club competition is run over 3 countries, it has a popular world cup and national team. All of these are very applicable to football. AFL has none of these, and i think this guy could well be out of his depth, considering the other names that were linked to the role.

Yeah, well said. I would like to see more football people at the FFA, especially after some of Matt Carroll's comments.

Interesting move for us Victorians. It may shift the 'NSW bias' in the FFA.

Good point :)

I'll wait a while to pass judgement.

[a_mac]

i totally agree with this move will be good for the game

[Bacardi 8]

I reckon its a good move heard it on the radio today

Good move.
This guy is highly intelligent and I'm sure Lowy, as always, went to every length possible to find the right man. I see no reason to distrust him, considering John O'Neill was a former Rugby man.

Agree :cool:

[Rob]

Sounds like he knows his stuff

[sirtrev]

Good appointment. Better than the IOC guy they were thinking of.

Maybe now Lowy can find a boss for Perth and carry on running sydney! :D

[vbwhite]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/rights-deal-that-made-buckley/2006/11/08/1162661758070.html

Rights deal that made Buckley

Richard Hinds
November 9, 2006

FOOTBALL Federation Australia's decision to pluck Ben Buckley from international obscurity to fill its most important executive position is an enormous compliment to the AFL for its successful expansion and, particularly, acknowledgement of a television rights deal that remains the envy of rival codes.

In rising to become the AFL's second highest ranking executive, behind Andrew Demetriou, Buckley won admirers for his work on major projects such as the league's complex fixturing. At the same time, his friendly, calm and assured demeanour made him the perfect foil for his sometimes feisty boss.

But it was Buckley's role in the latest round of TV rights negotiations - which netted the AFL a record $780 million for the next five seasons - that cemented his reputation among what FFA president Frank Lowy called "the new generation of sports administrators".

The AFL's windfall was aided by a competitive market, and particularly the last-ditch bid by the late Kerry Packer to save the rights for Nine. However, the sheer size of the deal and the enormous national free-to-air exposure the AFL will gain on Seven and Ten in coming seasons has given Buckley enormous kudos at the AFL, where he worked for seven years.

Football's television rights will probably not be an immediate concern for Buckley, given the FFA recently signed a five-year deal with Foxtel, although his friendship with Nine boss Eddie McGuire could prove useful. But as the A-League looks to build on its early momentum, it is Buckley's experience working in an organisation that has an outstanding record in areas such as live attendance and junior development that will prove invaluable.

The question with Buckley will be whether he can make a mark in the often Machiavellian world of international football politics, with the Socceroos' success still the key to the game's growth. The 39-year-old has experience working as a marketing executive for Nike in Japan, but he acknowledged yesterday he had "an enormous amount to learn about the game in a short time".

Buckley's involvement in top-flight sport began with a 74-game career at North Melbourne, between 1986 and 1993, where he was a hardworking midfielder whose intelligence and leadership capabilities complemented - perhaps even exceeded - his ability. Having completed a science degree, he was director of marketing for Nike in Australia before moving to Japan and, upon his return, general manager of sports video game company EA Sports. He joined the AFL in 1999.

Buckley endured personal tragedy in early 2004 when his wife, Kim, died of a cancer-related illness. Yesterday, Buckley said he was looking forward to moving to Sydney to take up his new job early next year.

A good summation of the new guy. In the sporting and business environment of Australia it is vital for our CEO to have excellent connections and be one of the "boys", this guy seems to have them and being an ex-AFL player won't hurt either.

[golazo]

A-League finals on FTA!, 10 bucks

[Socceroo_06]

A-League finals on FTA!, 10 bucks

why would the FFA sell the A-league finals to FTA for 10 bucks:confused:

[danny-allsop]

played with the mighty kangaroos

Was in charge
of the big afl rights deal
was in charge of ea sports aus
was in charge of nike aus

[RobyB]

As Buckley doesn't have much of an international profile i think it may be that Buckley's role is more to do with what he can do behind the scenes. I'm not certain but i think that Lowey wants to be the mover and shaker on the international level and have Buckley as the man who sews up the details.

It would explain the friction between Lowey and O'Neill more clearly now that we see who Lowey has picked to replace O'Neill. Buckley may also be seen as the man who ultimately brings Football to free-to-air with the sort of money that will make us financially secure ala AFL. Apparently, i've heard he is close to Eddie McGuire at Channel 9 and that may be useful.

So the purpose of Buckley may be more domestic than international. Certainly not an ideal scenario for a football CEO, but just an observation. I don't really know Buckley, so it could be that he's going to be a gun on all levels. So it's a wait and see.

What i find i've been experiencing about our game over and over now is how often we have to wait and see what happens with new and unproven people or situations because everything is new. It's exciting and frustrating at the same time.

[Gunner10]

http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/rights-deal-that-made-buckley/2006/11/08/1162661758070.html
Football's television rights will probably not be an immediate concern for Buckley, given the FFA recently signed a five-year deal with Foxtel, although his friendship with Nine boss Eddie McGuire could prove useful. But as the A-League looks to build on its early momentum, it is Buckley's experience working in an organisation that has an outstanding record in areas such as live attendance and junior development that will prove invaluable.

As Buckley doesn't have much of an international profile i think it may be that Buckley's role is more to do with what he can do behind the scenes. I'm not certain but i think that Lowey wants to be the mover and shaker on the international level and have Buckley as the man who sews up the details.

It would explain the friction between Lowey and O'Neill more clearly now that we see who Lowey has picked to replace O'Neill. Buckley may also be seen as the man who ultimately brings Football to free-to-air with the sort of money that will make us financially secure ala AFL. Apparently, i've heard he is close to Eddie McGuire at Channel 9 and that may be useful.

So the purpose of Buckley may be more domestic than international. Certainly not an ideal scenario for a football CEO, but just an observation. I don't really know Buckley, so it could be that he's going to be a gun on all levels. So it's a wait and see.

What i find i've been experiencing about our game over and over now is how often we have to wait and see what happens with new and unproven people or situations because everything is new. It's exciting and frustrating at the same time.
You've heard correctly, it mentions the friendship with Eddie in the article few posts above yours.

I think I agree with your theory regarding Lowy being the face of Australian football externally and Buckley running things nationally. After all, our game needs most help at the moment internally - youth and junior development, creation of a new national youth league, grassroots football, expansion of A-league in coming years, etc.

[Socceroo_06]

who heard Tim Watson's "WAttos Waste" this morning?
Basically said world game followers have chips on their shoulders because AFL hold the benchmark for sports administrators, and ended off with "where are the sokka administrators?"

I think his name should be changed from Watto to Twatto.

[s3tTz]

who heard Tim Watson's "WAttos Waste" this morning?
Basically said world game followers have chips on their shoulders because AFL hold the benchmark for sports administrators, and ended off with "where are the sokka administrators?"

I think his name should be changed from Watto to Twatto.
That is probably the most pointless segment on Australian radio. He gets on his soapbox for all of 10 seconds, just to sprout utter bullshit. Just an excuse to plug a sponsor. Don't know why I bother tuning in.

[gweeds]

Buckley must perform on the world stage (http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/buckley-must-perform-on-world-stage/2006/11/08/1162661757429.html)

Michael Lynch
November 9, 2006

Advertisement
AdvertisementBEN Buckley will be glad that he no longer has to bother with the PR disaster that is international rules.

But now, the AFL's (soon-to-be) former chief operating officer has to get used to a whole new set of international rules — and fast — in his new job as the chief executive of Football Federation Australia.

Having been a big fish in a small pond, the 39-year-old will find out in a hurry what it's like being a small player in the biggest pool of all.

Buckley is moving from a sporting side street into the maelstrom of the global sporting superhighway, and his first priority will be to ensure he is not transfixed like a rabbit in the headlights as he seeks to adjust to the political and commercial complexity of the global game.

His success (or otherwise) in coming to grips with the new challenge will determine just how quickly the Frank Lowy-Ben Buckley axis will be able to build on the revolutionary framework built by the Lowy-John O'Neill combination.

Since finishing footy, Buckley has had 13 years in the sports business/administration sector and is young enough to have the energy required to tackle what are some major structural issues for the game. He is credited with playing a key role in the AFL's landmark $780 million TV rights deal with Channels Seven and Ten — undoubtedly a persuasive entry on his curriculum vitae.

And given Lowy's seeming distaste for anything or anyone connected with "old soccer", the fact that he had no previous links with the sport was another obvious plus.

Buckley will first need to learn the global politics of FIFA, especially the Asian confederation, which Australia has just joined. He will find out that while the Asian route holds the promise of riches, it is not necessarily paved with gold and that neither the Olyroos nor the Socceroos are certainties to qualify for the World Cup through this zone.

He is not the coach, but the success or failure of his tenure in the chief executive's job will, for many, be determined by the Socceroos' World Cup exploits and the Olyroos' Olympic performance.

More pressing for now are questions relating to the development of the A-League. Most of its clubs are struggling financially and even the $1.5 million a year each receives from the new Foxtel television deal will not make them flush.

While crowds in Melbourne are fantastic, there is much room for improvement in Perth (once a hotbed of the game), Newcastle and Central Coast. New Zealand is an embarrassment, and Buckley will not be short of advisers telling him to dump the hapless Kiwis.

Another huge issue he needs to confront is youth development. With only eight A-League teams (with 20 players on each roster), there are scant chances for the best youngsters to hone their game with meaningful match experience against senior players.

The A-League could do with bigger squads (even if these younger players were signed on AFL-style rookie-list financial terms) and needs a reserves competition or a set-up allowing clubs to field reserve sides in their state competitions.

Buckley will also need to complete the administrative and constitutional changes advocated by the Crawford Report — the document that inspired the soccer revolution in the first place


P.S there is the inevitable 'will soccer catch up to AFL' poll in the Herald Sun if anyone can be bothered. http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/46/iconsleepyzv0.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[Socceroo_06]

P.S there is the inevitable 'will soccer catch up to AFL' poll in the Herald Sun if anyone can be bothered. http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/46/iconsleepyzv0.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Geez do they run that poll every week or something? What a sad sad case they are.

[gweeds]

who heard Tim Watson's "WAttos Waste" this morning?
Basically said world game followers have chips on their shoulders because AFL hold the benchmark for sports administrators, and ended off with "where are the sokka administrators?"

I think his name should be changed from Watto to Twatto.

I did not hear that comment. It may be a case of sour grapes but he has a point. How many Australian World Football administrators (that is born and bred on the game) would be good enough to head the AFL or the Rugby?

[RobyB]

Lowy has stated that they looked at some Aussie candidates from our code and didn't rate them high enough. Lowy would know if any of them were able to do the job, and by past performances in Soccer Australia i'd say they they spoke for themselves.

[MDL]

I did not hear that comment. It may be a case of sour grapes but he has a point. How many Australian World Football administrators (that is born and bred on the game) would be good enough to head the AFL or the Rugby?

Thats because anyone involved in administration of the game in Oz in the past carries more baggage than an Airport....in the future a Football person will run the game...but for now this is what is needed.

[Socceroo_06]

I did not hear that comment. It may be a case of sour grapes but he has a point. How many Australian World Football administrators (that is born and bred on the game) would be good enough to head the AFL or the Rugby?

The fact is that isn't his point. All he was trying to do is give kudos to the AFL whilst slamming the world game. Don't get me wrong i think AFL is the best administered sport in this country, but thats irrelevent to the appointment of Ben Buckley.

Lowry appointed Buckley because he is the best sports administrator from "generation-next", not because the AFL is a "breeding ground" for top sports admins. If the best australian sports admin was from hockey or rowing, i'm sure Lowry would have made the same decision.

Also it's a bit unfair to compare the situation AFL is in to football in this country. Ever since the 1950's when migrants took over the game of football in this country, which as a result disinfranchised many anglo-australians from the game, they decided to run the game in this country similar to how it is run in Europe without taking into account the characteristics of the australian sporting landscape. This innevitably led to the ethnic framework innate in the old NSL, and furthermore in many local clubs in state leagues and federations. This was the best and worst thing to ever happen to football in this country, why? Because on the one hand players were being developed in a europeanesque framework learning to be more of an artist than a tough as nails, run all day type player(attributed to anglo-australians). However on the other hand the game was being run with a lack of structure and cohesiveness amongst the state federations and Soccer Australia, due to ethnic divisions and total ignorance to the australian sporting market.

It is the second part which IMO led to the failure of Soccer Australia, and is why there are no good australian football bred admins. at the moment, something with which Watson fails to acknowledge. I am hopefull however that in the years to come, with the professional set up of the FFA, we can start to have our own admins.

[alastair]

Just heard on the ABC that Paul McNamee(ex tennis player) now with Golf Australia was offered the job some weeks ago but knocked it back.
Wonder who would have been the better option?

[G is for geoffrey]

McNamee doesn't inspire me. Buckley is 12 years younger and seems to be the sort of person that would give us the inspiration we need. Don't get me wrong, McNamee was great for the Australian Open in particular taking it into the Asia Pacific but I think Buckley is better suited to the role. Both top grade though IMO.

[ifuckinghatemyspace.com]

I have the utmost confidence in Lowy. Im sure he wont screw this one up.

[Kopite]

myspace rules man

[Giusepp]

.

that is one ripper sig mate