With the post-Steven Lowy era kicking off at Monday’s AGM in Sydney, former Capital Football CEO and Order of Australia recipient Heather Reid, ex-Soccer Australia chairman Remo Nogarotto and GWS Giants deputy chairman Joseph Carrozzi look to have the necessary 60 per cent-plus backing from a newly-forged Congress to get over the line from a field of 10 candidates.
Whilst Friday night’s withdrawal of former Socceroo turned SBS analyst Craig Foster dismayed many of football’s rank and file, his ‘people’s choice’ candidacy didn’t have the required support from the A-League clubs (28 per cent of the vote) or the state federations (55 per cent).
As the dust settles on Foster’s exit, last minute lobbying continues for Nikou, who has strong support from Melbourne Victory and a smattering of the states, and Conroy, who is being championed by Melbourne City and several state factions.
With Labor on the rise across the nation, Conroy is seen by many stakeholders as an astute choice in the current political climate, and a man who will have the ear of present and future state and federal governments.
On the debit side, Conroy’s links to the gambling industry as a lobbyist has caused disquiet among some members of Congress.
Nikou, who is seeking re-election to the six-strong board, comes with plenty of baggage, having been a member of the Lowy-led regime which fought tooth and nail to thwart Congress reform at every turn.
There are also concerns that were he elected he would join fellow Lowy loyalists - serving members Kelly Bayer Rosmarin and Crispin Murray - in forming a voting block heavily influenced by policies of the past.
If he went on to win the chairmanship - which will also be decided on Monday - he would carry a casting vote on major issues such as A-League expansion. Carrozzi and Conroy are the only others of the five board favourites chasing the chairmanship.
For those seeking a definitive transition away from the divisiveness of the Lowy era, Nikou’s candidacy is an unwelcome reminder of the rancour which characterized those years.
“The general consensus is that there are enough votes for Nogarotto, Reid and Carrozzi to get up,” said a Congress source.
“Regarding the fourth position you can rule out (ex A-League referee) Mark Shields, Mark Rendell and Linda Norquay.
“It’s looking like Conroy or Nikou for the remaining place but the dark horse there is Morry Bailes, who could conceivably do a Scott Morrison and come from nowhere.
“If the consensus is not there for Conroy or Nikou, he might be the answer.”
Adelaide-based Bailes, president of the Law Council of Australia, has kept a low profile during the politicking for board places and remains a figure of mystery to most.
