09/10/2026
CLUBS STATEMENT โ 2027 COMPETITION ACCESS FEE
Queensland football clubs welcome Football Queenslandโs decision to pause the proposed
2027 Competition Access Fee (CAF) model. The pause creates an essential opportunity for
further consultation before changes affecting clubs, volunteers, players and families proceed.
Over the past week, clubs across Queensland have delivered one clear message: a change of
this significance cannot proceed without genuine consultation with the clubs responsible for
implementing it. Before the most significant change to player registration and fee collection in
many years is introduced, clubsโ concerns must be heard and addressed.
More than 140 clubs have stood together to deliver that message. Our position has been clear
and consistent: the proposed CAF model risks increasing costs for players and families while
shifting greater financial risk, administration and workload onto the volunteers who are the
backbone of community football.
We thank FQ for listening to the collective voice of clubs and pausing the rollout. This is an
important first step. Clubs are ready to engage constructively and in good faith, provided the
consultation is genuine, transparent and able to shape the final outcome.
Consultation must extend beyond a small group because the consequences of these reforms
will be felt statewide. Clubs from every part of Queensland should have a meaningful
opportunity to participate and be heard, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the clubs and
communities that sustain our game.
We call on Football Queensland to commit to a genuine statewide consultation process before
any revised CAF model is finalised or implemented. The process must be open and accessible
to every affiliated club, across every region of Queensland, giving all affected clubs the
opportunity to understand the proposal, provide feedback and help shape the outcome.
Our clubs are united in seeking a model that protects affordability for players and families,
supports rather than burdens volunteers, and is practical, transparent and sustainable for
community football.
To everyone across Queenslandโs football community who signed the petition and stood
shoulder to shoulder with clubs: thank you. Your incredible support and solidarity helped
ensure our collective voices were heard, and we are deeply grateful.
We look forward to working directly with FQ to resolve these issues and ensure the voice of
Queenslandโs clubs remains central to the way forward.
United clubs. A strong voice. A better outcome for football across Queensland
