Football expert Lucy Zelic pinpoints A-League’s biggest problem as she blasts grand final switch

Outspoken soccer expert Lucy Zelic has continued her war on the A-League over its move to hold grand finals in Sydney for the next three years as she maintains the body’s structure is the main reason behind the widely condemned decision.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday the former SBS commentator blasted the league for dragging players ‘into a disaster that has been deliberately manufactured by the APL [Australian Professional Leagues]’. 

‘Clubs & players going rogue with their own statements, a resignation, another release issued by the APL doubling-down with all of the club owners names attached on Facebook but not on Twitter, more denials – THIS is precisely what you get when you don’t have an independent board,’ she wrote.

Furious fans are just as angry as Zelic, with supporters from three clubs planning to stage mass walkouts at upcoming games in protest (pictured, Wanderers fans earlier this month)

Zelic was referring to teams including Wellington Phoenix and Western United blasting the $10million deal with the NSW Government, along with stars including Socceroos hero Craig Goodwin voicing their disappointment with the move.

In addition, Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Piero resigned as a director of the APL on Wednesday so he could ‘act in the best interests’ of the club. 

‘It’s entirely unreasonable and unfair to drag players into a disaster that has been deliberately manufactured by the APL and I can assure you, almost all of them would be feeling just as, Goodwin, [Matildas star Remy] Siemsen and you do. They love the game and their fans, always have, always will,’ Zelic continued.

She went on to tell fans to ‘continue to use your voices, hurt and love to strive for positive change because although administrators, who will come and go, can tarnish what we cherish – the players and fans are what will forever make our game great.’

On Tuesday, Zelic accused the A-League of selling its soul by accepting $10million from the NSW Government to hold the men’s and women’s grand finals in Sydney for the next three years. 

Socceroos hero Craig Goodwin (pictured playing against Argentina) has also lashed out at the decision to move the year’s biggest games

Matildas and Sydney FC striker Remy Siemsen is also offside with the A-League over the issue

‘The A-Leagues can dress this pig up as much as they like and they can call this turd whatever they want, it’s still a turd,’ she told SEN Radio’s The Run Home.

Fans of three clubs – Adelaide United, Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory – have now announced plans to stage mass walkouts at upcoming games to protest against the switch.

Goodwin branded the $10million deal a ‘farce’ while Siemsen echoed his comments. 

‘Couldn’t have put it better myself, @craig_goodwin11,’ she tweeted.

‘Additionally, like all competitors I have loved earning the right to play a home grand final and would love it to stay being earned.

‘I love our fans, they make the league what it is & they deserve to be heard.’