09/10/2026
NEWS // 2027 COMPETITION ACCESS FEE
Queensland football clubs welcome Football Queensland’s 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, clubs’ 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 Queensland’s football community who 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
Queensland’s clubs remains central to the way forward.
United clubs. A strong voice. A better outcome for football across Queensland.
