By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE GEELONG region could have three bids for a National Premier League (NPL) soccer licence after a legal challenge to the process was settled.
North Geelong Warriors was part of a group of 65 Victorian clubs that issued the challenge against Football Federation Victoria’s plans to introduce the new licences.
The federation abandoned the proposed semi-professional league two weeks ago but the national body intervened to negotiate a settlement.
Two other Geelong groups had indicated an interest in applying for a NPL licence – Geelong Galaxy and Surf Coast Soccer Club.
Both previously lodged bids for the licence under the old criteria but the settlement includes a change in the application process.
North Geelong president Ivan Beak said the club was interested in looking at the new provisions.
“It’s a new system and we’re still learning about it. We’re awaiting more information on the application process.
“Nothing’s set in concrete at this stage. We’ve had a chat about it at board level but we have to address it in more detail and look at getting members involved as to what they think.”
Geelong Galaxy committee member and chair of Football Federation Geelong, Jack Karpinski, said the consortium was still considering its position.
“They’ve only just sent out the changes, so we don’t have a position at this point until we get more information out of FFV.”
Surf Coast Soccer Club’s spokesman Joe Taylor said the club would resubmit its application.
“Our understanding is that FFA was keen that the national league did happen and came in and forced an agreement with FFV. It does mean another application process but it appears the criteria have been simplified a bit.
“All the major premier league clubs are back in and there’s a new deadline for applications, so that may mean a slight delay to the start of the season.
“But it will be good for the region and good for the sport and we still think we have a really good chance.”
