Embattled A-League club North Queensland Fury are targeting a community-owned model as a way to break their relationship with Football Federation Australia.
The Townsville club is currently owned by the Federation but need to find outside funds to be able to continue the lifespan of the fledgling operation.
Fury chief executive Rabieh Krayem insists community ownership would be the way to go to keep the club afloat for next season and into the future.
"We are aiming much more at a community model where we can capitalise on the interest at a local level and give our fans the chance to become members with a greater say in the club,'' he said.
''We are looking at options where people can buy a $3000 membership or a $10,000 membership, which will bring them a range of benefits as well as a say in the election of the board and who runs the club.
''If we get some FFA support for next season [2011-12] - and we could need anything from $600,000 to $1 million - I am confident that from April 1, 2012, we will not need any more assistance from the FFA.''
Last night, the Fury's on-field woes took another hit when they relinquished a one-goal lead to lose to Melbourne Heart 3-2 at Dairy Farmers Stadium, consigning them to second bottom on the table.
