Sydney Olympic FC has responded after Football NSW imposed significant points deductions across multiple divisions due to compliance breaches linked to the club’s 2025 application process.
In a statement, Football NSW confirmed that Sydney Olympic, along with Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Newcastle Jets FC, had been penalised for administrative matters. The sanctions were announced during the Australia Cup period, catching many clubs off-guard.
Sydney Olympic FC was docked:
- 15 Women’s Club Championship points
- 3 Premiership points across each of the Girls’ Youth age grades
- 3 Premiership points across each of the Men’s age grades
- 15 Boys’ Youth Club Championship points
Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets received similar sanctions across comparable divisions, with the Wanderers also losing 3 points in both U20 and 1st Grade Men’s competitions.
While Football NSW did not provide detailed reasoning at the time of its announcement, The Greek Herald can confirm that the penalties issued to Sydney Olympic FC stem from the late submission of club documents relating to complex reporting changes. These matters were at all times communicated to Football NSW.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, Sydney Olympic FC President Damon Hanlin described the decision as “a significant overreach” and criticised the lack of consistency in the enforcement of the penalty.
“We acknowledge the importance of compliance and have always worked cooperatively with Football NSW,” Mr Hanlin said. “However, this penalty is excessive and does not pass the fairness test — particularly when compared with more serious breaches by other clubs that have gone unpunished or received lesser sanctions.”
Mr Hanlin emphasised that while the club accepts responsibility, it is unjust that players — who are not involved in administrative matters — are the ones to suffer competitive consequences.
“Our players should not bear the consequences of an off-field compliance issue,” he said. “This breach was not related to player eligibility, team performance, or any on-field advantage.”
Mr Hanlin suggested that a financial penalty may have been a more fitting and appropriate response.
The President also raised concerns about the broader handling of the matter by Football NSW.
“All of us in the football community — the governing body included — have an obligation to promote and foster the game,” Mr Hanlin said. “Perhaps it’s time for some internal reflection at Football NSW. The time it took to reach this outcome, the lack of clarity around the decision, and the timing of the points deduction at the start of a new season raise serious concerns.”
Mr Hanlin added, “Sydney Olympic FC has always welcomed constructive engagement with Football NSW and remains open to working together towards a fair resolution. However, we cannot stand by quietly when a decision of this nature so clearly lacks proportionality. We owe it to our players, members, and supporters to ensure that fairness and due process are upheld.”
Fans have also reacted with frustration and anger, questioning the fairness and severity of the sanctions.
Despite the setback, Mr Hanlin reaffirmed the club’s focus on the season ahead.
“This will not deter our club or our players from performing at the highest level this season and carrying that momentum into the Australian Championship. Sydney Olympic FC and I look forward to returning to the national stage, and we’re elated that Football Australia has selected Olympic — along with our fellow Greek-heritage club South Melbourne — to open the inaugural competition, marking yet another historic moment in Australian football history,” Mr Hanlin said.
Sydney Olympic FC has confirmed it will seek a full review of the ruling and the processes behind it, calling on Football NSW to demonstrate transparency, consistency, and respect for all clubs — especially those with foundational status in the sport.
