Football Federation Australia have issued a notice of termination for the licence of Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer.
The FFA have decided to strip Palmer of his ownership licence after he breached the Club Participation Agreement on three counts which include:
1. A conscious and deliberate contravention of FFA Policies and Procedures. 2. Deliberate defiance of a direction that was given by FFA; and 3. Repeated public statements made by or on behalf of Gold Coast United that bring the A-League, FFA and the game of football into disrepute and are prejudicial to the interests of FFA, the A-League and the game of football in Australia.
Gold Coast disobeyed FFA rules on Saturday night at Skilled Park when their playing kit and signage around the stadium deliberately featured an unapproved slogan despite directions from the governing body not to do so.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy admitted that it was a disappointment to have to terminate Gold Coast's licence but says he had no choice in the matter.
"This behavior came on top of public comments that displayed a total lack of respect for football and the millions of Australians who love the game.
"Such disrespectful behavior, a flagrant disregard for the rules and a stated intent to continue breaking the rules made for an intolerable situation.
"As custodians of the game, we had to act to protect the integrity of the Hyundai A-League on behalf of the other nine clubs, players, coaches and most importantly, the fans.""The material breach on Saturday night was followed by a statement from the club that it intended to continue using the slogan," said Mr Lowy.
The FFA will try to keep Gold Coast going for the remainder of the 2011/12 A-League season but it is unknown if the club has a future.
