The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) has announced that Ben Buckley will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer and be replaced by David Gallop, the former CEO of the National Rugby League and Australian Rugby League Commission, reports the Official AFC website. "The broadcast deal is at the heart of the future of football in this country and it has been the most critical aspect of my work for the past 18 months," Buckley said.
"I told the Chairman some time ago I was determined to negotiate the best possible deal to underpin the future growth of the game but that once done I would like to work with him and the board to identify a successor."
FFA Chairman Frank Lowy praised the outgoing CEO and also said he was he was looking forward to working with Gallop to build on past achievements and grow the game into the future.
"Ben has worked tirelessly for football both at home and abroad and has steered the game through a difficult period of consolidation," he said.
"He has the respect and thanks of the board for his contribution and he will remain a valued friend of the game.
"I wish him well for the future.
"Mr Gallop comes to the job well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
"He is an experienced sports administrator of high standing and is widely respected across all sports."
