LETTER TO SOUTH FREMANTLE MEMBERS

To all our valued members, partners and stakeholders,

We write to directly address the total player payments sanctions that were revealed on Monday evening. 

This is a difficult time and situation for our Football Club, most notably for our supporters and players, and we acknowledge this. 

We want all South Fremantle people to be aware that these wounds are not fatal, we are a proud Club, steeped in 123 years of tradition, history & success. 

The fabric of this place is our people, and we will all bind together to get through this.

Provided below are some FAQs, prepared and circulated here, to assist with understanding.

What has happened? 
We have been found guilty of unintentionally breaching the salary cap (TPP) following a procedural Audit as a 2021 WAFL Grand Finalist. 

How could this occur?
A small number of administrative and communication errors were made which resulted in the breaches. Our TPP compliance did not meet the regulatory standards that are placed upon us as a WAFL Club. 

When did SFFC find out about the potential breaches? 
Following a procedural WAFC TPP investigation, that commenced on 30 August 2022. With the final position, findings and sanctions revealed in the past week.

Are SFFC going to fight the outcome/penalty? 
We have worked tirelessly to discuss and negotiate terms, this is public. 
Ultimately, we must accept the sanctions & take ownership for some process failings and we did not elect to go to Arbitration. 

Who is at fault here? 
Our Club is at fault. The WAFC findings identified that our football governance had shortcomings and we lacked some procedure & communication expected & necessary under WAFL rules. 

What changes has the Club/Board implemented so this doesn't happen again?
We have taken considerable steps to enhance & strengthen our TPP and other football compliance responsibilities, ensuring no further exposure to breaches.

We have reviewed & changed roles, added people & tightened procedures & compliance requirements and improved our communication mechanisms, both internally and externally. We have full confidence in these changes. 

Will the sanctions significantly impact the Club or our people? 
The sanctions are severe and will impact us on and off the field. There is no hiding from this. However, we are confident we can overcome these setbacks, and deliver a successful season. 

We hold a firm belief that we will perform strongly in 2023, and we must now support our players, coaches and football staff to do their best job.

We conclude with the Club’s sincere apology. 

We are a great football Club, and all our energy now turns to winning games of Football and making you, our supporters, proud.
 
Sincerely, 
Peter Christie & Cameron Britt 
President & CEO
South Fremantle Football Club