Special assistance for three clubs in '05
1:00:24 PM Mon 11 October, 2004
Scott Spits
Sportal
The AFL has announced which clubs will receive financial support from the league's Competitive Balance Fund in 2005.
As was the case this year, the Kangaroos will receive $1 million, the Western Bulldogs will be allocated $1.5 million and Melbourne will be given $1.5 million.
Last month, the Demons were allocated retrospective funding for 2004 after signalling at the start of the season the possible need for financial assistance.
But a detailed submission was only approved in September.
There was speculation that two other clubs - Carlton and Richmond - would seek money from the AFL's coffers.
But AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou last month said those clubs had given an assurance they would not be looking for support.
"There's no other club that we see (applying) on the horizon, and that's probably a good thing," Demetriou said.There are several conditions which accompany approval for funding, such as agreeing to reduce expenditure at the AFL's request.
"It should be recognised that the competitive balance fund is not just about a financial grant to the clubs. What the competitive balance fund does and demands is that the clubs' performance off-field has certain guidelines, some governance imperatives and it recommends certain conditions and changes," Demetriou said.
http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=174743
