A-League boss quits on the eve of the season kicking off to take up lucrative new post in the Middle East after botched decision to sell domestic grand finals was scrapped this week
- Ends turbulent spell as A-League boss
- He oversaw the failed decision to sell grand finals but was overturned
- Was in charge when fans stormed the pitch during the Melbourne derby
- Will hold a wealthy post in the Middle East
The man who tried to sell the A-League grand finals to the highest bidder before pulling off an embarrassing backflip has quit the Australian competition to take up a post in the Middle East.
The Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the A-League, have confirmed the departure of CEO Danny Townsend.
Townsend’s tenure included the controversial and divisive decision to sell the hosting rights for the A-League grand final to the NSW government.
After just one year, the deal was scrapped this week and replaced with a contract for a full round of men’s and women’s A-League matches, to be played over one weekend in Sydney over the next two seasons.
After a wave of disapproval from fans, the Australian Premier Leagues (ALM and ALW) have decided to return to their traditional format, with the highest qualifying team receiving hosting rights for the grand finals.
Despite a turbulent spell as A-League boss, Danny Townsend believes he has left the club in good shape
Townsend with officials and young fans at the announcement of Unite Round, which will replace the scrapped idea of selling the A-League grand final to the highest bidder
A-League commissioner Nick Garcia will step into the role of CEO until a permanent replacement can be found
The decision comes after a controversial three-year, $12 million deal with Destination NSW, which initially saw the hosting rights for the grand finals sold.
Fans expressed their dissatisfaction when this deal was first announced, leading to the complete reversal.
Townsend was also in charge during the infamous crowd invasion of the 2022 Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City derby.
Thousands of fans invaded the pitch and City goalkeeper Thomas Glover was attacked, with a bucket smashed into his face, with both clubs receiving heavy sanctions.
As has been rumored for several weeks, Townsend has left the APL for a new job in the Middle East.
The APL will now be led by A-League commissioner Nick Garcia and the managing director of football website KeepUp, James Rushton
The pair will report to APL chairman Stephen Conroy.
“The APL has achieved extraordinary growth in just two and a half years under Danny’s leadership, and we thank him for his service to football in Australia and New Zealand, both as CEO of the APL and before that as CEO of Sydney FC,” Conroy said.
Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover is escorted off the pitch with a bleeding head after being hit with a bucket during the 2022 Melbourne derby
In frenzied scenes, thousands of A-League fans stormed the pitch, making several arrests and imposing heavy sanctions.
“Danny leaves the game stronger than ever and with a talented and committed management team. We wish him the best of luck in his new role,” Conroy continued.
“As the organization enters its next phase of development, we welcome the joint leadership of two highly experienced global sports managers and passionate football fans: Nick Garcia and James Rushton.
“Each of their appointments was the result of extensive search processes that resulted in an incredibly strong APL management team.”
Despite the unpopular decision to sell the grand final, which was later reversed, Townsend said his time at the helm was a success.
“We have made incredible progress over the last three years and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as independent leagues,” Townsend said.
“I will always feel privileged to have had this opportunity to play the game I love. I’m really looking forward to seeing it continue to grow at a rapid pace.”