Gold Coast United lift crowd cap

Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer has agreed to lift the crowd cap he imposed last week.

The billionaire mining magnate wanted to keep crowds at the club’s home ground, Skilled Park, to 5000 in a bid to save money and his decision was met with a great deal of criticism.

After talks with Football Federation Australia and the A-League, Palmer has handed over the marketing of matches and ticket pricing to the federation, who will also underwrite all games at Skilled Park until the end of the season.

This comes after Saturday’s debacle which saw just over 2000 fans come to watch the derby between United and North Queensland Fury and A-League boss Archie Fraser is keen for things to change quickly for the new franchise.

“We all want what's best for the growth of the game on the Gold Coast and the agreement we’ve reached is a step forward,” Fraser said.

"We can focus on building a fan base and prompting the game on the Coast.

"It's been a big undertaking, the launching of a club ... and it's not going to be without its teething problems, but were determined to work through it and make it work.

"We have always believed the fans are there and this move will help Gold Coast United get back in touch with its supporters and build from the ground up through the community."

United's CEO Clive Mensink said in a statement: "We have listened to the fans and the community and they have told us that they want the stadium opened up and there are some issues around pricing. I have heard them loud and clear."