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changes to capital football

For full transparency - I have sent the following to Capital Football earlier today (after being blocked on Facebook and X):

I believe I've been blocked for being the loudest voice in the room - at no point prior to enforcement action (being blocked) do I believe I've breached the Capital Football Social Media policy. It appears that other people commenting probably worse than me (but not as often) are still active with the page.
Good afternoon,
I've been blocked by Capital Football's social media channels (Facebook initially, and upon initially calling the same information as below out via X, was promptly blocked on X), and I believe this is in breach of the Capital Football Social Media Policy (Page 6).

Whilst I have been active on posts disagreeing with the decisions made by the organisation - I believe I have acted in good faith (and can clearly see that I seem to be one of the few blocked on this matter), and was blocked in anticipation of an announcement cementing Yoogali and Wagga City Wanderers' removal from the National Premier League Mens competitions from 2026, as this happened sometime after the announcement regarding Canberra United's government funding, and earlier this morning (Monday 30th July 2025) during a period where I have had no social media activity on this matter.

I am asking for evidence that my behaviour online has been constituted as a 'serious offence' prior to the enforcement action taken, as neither myself (nor Yoogali Soccer Club, or Wagga City Wanderers, as far as my knowledge extends) have received formal letters or warnings about my behaviour.

I'm a Canberra local (sure - with ties back to Griffith in my youth). But this borders on discriminatory censorship, and I fully intend to make this matter public with Football Australia's Integrity Unit, with the processes not followed correctly - regardless of my thoughts or the decisions made by Capital Football in the NPL Review, and how much we both disagree on this matter.
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FootballSam said:
Capital Football fights back.

capitalfootball.com.au

Unacceptable Conduct by Yoogali Soccer Club – Formal Investigation Underway - Capital Football

Capital Football can confirm that Yoogali Soccer Club is the subject of a formal investigation following multiple breaches of key policies, including but not limited to the Social Media Policy, Dispute and Disciplinary Regulations, and the Club Affiliation Policy. These breaches relate to a...
capitalfootball.com.au capitalfootball.com.au
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I still have not been contacted by Capital Football - and appear to be the only one blocked still. It appears this will indeed go all the way to the FA Integrity Unit.
 
NicCarBel said:
I still have not been contacted by Capital Football - and appear to be the only one blocked still. It appears this will indeed go all the way to the FA Integrity Unit.
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Funny that - I was just about to go public with this on my own page - tagging Capital Futsal and whoever else I needed to - lo and behold I've now been unblocked from Facebook by Capital Football (but still with no further correspondence).
 
Be interesting to see how this pans out. I think there are posts that probably do cross a line and Football Australia will have to back CF to some point because having clubs blatantly attack State fed staff on FB can't happen.

However at the same time, the posts obviously highlight quite a few issues with the review process and the conflict of interest.

I could very well see a situation where Wagga is allowed back in, but Yoogali is left out based on conduct.
 
FootballSam said:
Be interesting to see how this pans out. I think there are posts that probably do cross a line and Football Australia will have to back CF to some point because having clubs blatantly attack State fed staff on FB can't happen.

However at the same time, the posts obviously highlight quite a few issues with the review process and the conflict of interest.

I could very well see a situation where Wagga is allowed back in, but Yoogali is left out based on conduct.
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Very possible.

Yes, I do think - from a written standpoint, the way that Yoogali has behaved online does breach the social media policy. But, like I've said - Capital Football don't have a leg to stand on when they themselves don't adhere to their policy either.

I have no ties to this club. I've actively supported against them. This is about regional football for me - and they've tried to censor me. I doubt I'll get an apology. I doubt I'll get correspondence.

From a neutral standpoint - yes, two wrongs don't make a right. But it wasn't like they were just being relegated and could work their way back up - they were being kicked out altogether.
 
NicCarBel said:
Very possible.

Yes, I do think - from a written standpoint, the way that Yoogali has behaved online does breach the social media policy. But, like I've said - Capital Football don't have a leg to stand on when they themselves don't adhere to their policy either.

I have no ties to this club. I've actively supported against them. This is about regional football for me - and they've tried to censor me. I doubt I'll get an apology. I doubt I'll get correspondence.

From a neutral standpoint - yes, two wrongs don't make a right. But it wasn't like they were just being relegated and could work their way back up - they were being kicked out altogether.
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The issue is, is that Yoogali are relying on Football Australia to intervene. If Football Australia don't intervene then Capital Football have all the power unfortunately.
 
FootballSam said:
The issue is, is that Yoogali are relying on Football Australia to intervene. If Football Australia don't intervene then Capital Football have all the power unfortunately.
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Yes, I believe that's essentially what it's boiling down to as well.
I will continue to call them out one more time for their integrity. I may have been unblocked - but I still haven't been contacted by Capital Football. No evidence. No apology. It's censorship. And they'll know that. But I will do so respectfully like I've done in the past.
 

'Coalition of clubs': Why this fight is tearing Canberra soccer apart​


By Chris Dutton, and Melanie Dinjaski

Updated August 1 2025 - 4:42pm, first published 4:30pm


An email oversight has emerged as the tipping point in an emotion-charged war between Capital Football and several clubs after details of the governing body's silence were revealed this week.

Heartbroken Yoogali officials say they have been gagged by Capital Football after being issued a breach notice following a spate of critical social media posts.
Capital Football chief executive Sam Farrow, left, and chairman Angelo Konstantinou. Pictures by Elesa Kurtz

Capital Football chief executive Sam Farrow, left, and chairman Angelo Konstantinou. Pictures by Elesa Kurtz

The regional NSW club is determined to fight to save its place in Canberra's competitions after being told it would not be permitted to participate next season as part of a significant restructure by Capital Football.

The standoff has led to a tit for tat battle, with emotions spilling over and Yoogali hitting out at what it claims has been "appalling treatment" by Capital Football.

Yoogali officials say a "coalition" of 12 clubs wrote a "comprehensive letter to Capital Football outlining the concerns, requesting further dialogue and once again asking for a pause" on July 4.

They say they did not receive a response until July 30, when chief executive Samantha Farrow emailed the group to apologise for the delay.

By that point, Capital Football had already finalised its NPL review and recommendations, with all clubs impacted now aware of the changes that sent shockwaves through soccer circles.

Riverina clubs would no longer be included in the NPL or any other Capital Football competitions, the NPL Men would be expanded to 10 teams over 18 rounds, the men's Capital Premier League competition - a whole grade below NPL Men - was to be completely scrapped, and a player payment cap for NPL Men and Women was to be introduced.



The changes have sent shockwaves through the soccer community and Yoogali officials feel they have been hit the hardest.

The saga has created a divide between clubs and the governing body. Some clubs are supportive of the decision for change, while others are siding with Yoogali and those who have been expelled.

The angst spilled over when Yoogali made several social media posts in recent weeks, culminating with a pot-shot at Capital Football chairman Angelo Konstantinou.

The post suggested Konstantinou's former club, Canberra Olympic, had been given preferential treatment through the process.

Neither Konstantinou or Farrow were part of the four-person panel which oversaw the review into Capital Football's participation structure.

Yoogali has removed the post about Konstantinou. The chairman contacted Yoogali about a separate post to ask for the club to remove a comment that attacked Farrow.

The situation has turned ugly as the NPL enters the final month of the regular season and Yoogali stares down the barrel of having nowhere to play next season.

The lack of consultation with clubs over the sweeping changes has been an ongoing complaint by Yoogali and others critical of the report.

The screenshot of Farrow's reply email included addresses linked to Canberra Croatia - the capital's most powerful club - Queanbeyan City, ANU, Canberra Juventus, Monaro Panthers and the West Canberra Wanderers.

It is unclear if those clubs are part of the "coalition" of clubs, or if they were just included on the email trail.

Yoogali and other club officials declined to comment when contacted this week. Asked about Yoogali's place in the competition, Capital Football said Yoogali's proposal to remain in the NPL "lacked a clear rationale".

"Capital Football has completed its assessment of Yoogali Soccer Club's request to review its exclusion from the 2026 NPL Men's competition," it's statement said.

"While the club expressed a desire to explore alternative structures, the submission did not sufficiently address the criteria on which the original decision was based.

"It lacked a clear rationale for overturning the decision and did not demonstrate the ability to meet junior pathway requirements.

"The proposed alternative model remains conceptual, without the formal structure or necessary assurances around governance, viability, and player development.

"Capital Football understands Yoogali's disappointment with this outcome and has reached out to Football NSW to explore what support and opportunities may be available for the region."

The Yoogali soccer club deleted a series of social media posts about Capital Football.

The Yoogali soccer club deleted a series of social media posts about Capital Football.

Capital Football also moved to take action against Yoogali's social media posts, issuing a breach notice which could result in fines, points deductions or suspension.

"The content, tone, and frequency of these social media posts have escalated significantly, now including personal attacks directed at Capital Football officials, staff, and volunteers, as well as inflammatory comments targeting other clubs," Capital Football said in a statement.

"These statements are not only abusive but also question the integrity and impartiality of those involved in the administration and participation of the game.

"This type of conduct is wholly unacceptable and falls well below the standards of behaviour expected in our football community."

Social media rampage fallout could cost Yoogali (original article - This team went on a social media rampage. The fallout could cost them their future)​

Capital Football and a regional NSW soccer club are at war after a series of social media posts triggered a "formal investigation" and potential significant punishments this week.

Capital Football said it had issued a breach notice to Yoogali Soccer Club, gagging the Griffith-based team from posting on social media.

The tipping point appears to have been posts last weekend, with one image including Capital Football chairman Angelo Konstantinou accompanied by words from Yoogali calling out "appalling treatment" by the game's governing body.


The initial post related to Yoogali's unsuccessful bid to continue in Capital Football competitions while noting Canberra Olympic had been promoted back into the NPL - the highest level in the capital.

Konstantinou is a Canberra Olympic legend and guided the club through one of its most successful eras. He retired more than six years ago and eventually became the Capital Football chairman.

Yoogali's post inferred Olympic had been given preferential treatment by Capital Football. It has been deleted, but several other posts remain online.

Konstantinou was not part of the review into the Capital Football restructure, which determined Yoogali should be cut from the NPL.

Konstantinou declined to comment on the specific situation surrounding Yoogali when contacted on Thursday, but said: "we thank all clubs and stakeholders for continuing to uphold the principles of respect, fairness, and integrity that are fundamental to football in our region."

Tensions between Capital Football and Yoogali have been simmering for several months after the recommendation to cut NSW-based teams Yoogali and the Wagga Wanderers from ACT competitions.

Tempers rose again when the decision was made official last week, prompting Yoogali's social-media outburst.

"While we might be copping some appalling treatment from Capital Football, it's not bad news for everyone," Yoogali posted in a now-deleted post.

"A HUGE congratulations to Canberra Olympic FC for their promotion back to NPL after finishing 'somewhere' on the CPL ladder.

"An INSPIRATIONAL story to be used as a case study for the next generation of kids, that if you put your mind to something, work HARD and take part in an NPL review, then one day you too can achieve your dreams."

The post was accompanied by a photo of Konstantinou from his playing days at Olympic.

Yoogali later posted a text message from Konstantinou after he asked the team to delete a comment about Capital Football chief executive Samantha Farrow, which breached the association's social media policy.

It's understood Yoogali faces the prospect of being fined, having points deducted or being expelled from the competition. Those penalties could carry over into NSW competitions for next year.

"The content, tone, and frequency of these social media posts have escalated significantly, now including personal attacks directed at Capital Football officials, staff, and volunteers, as well as inflammatory comments targeting other clubs," Capital Football said in a statement.

"These statements are not only abusive but also question the integrity and impartiality of those involved in the administration and participation of the game.

"This type of conduct is wholly unacceptable and falls well below the standards of behaviour expected in our football community."

Capital Football said the club would be made liable for the posts if "individual offender(s) cannot be identified".

"A formal notice of charge has been issued to Yoogali Soccer Club, and the club is required to respond in accordance with the established procedures outlined in the disciplinary and disputes regulations.

"Further disciplinary action may follow pending the outcome of this process.

"Capital Football remains committed to safeguarding the wellbeing and integrity of its staff, volunteers, clubs, and broader community. We will continue to take strong and decisive action against conduct that threatens the respectful and fair environment we are all working to build."

Capital Football and Yoogali have been at loggerheads for months after the association overhauled its competition regulations and axed Yoogali and other Riverina teams from the competitions. Yoogali currently competes in the NPL competition and travels to Canberra for away games.

The report recommended the NPL be expanded to 10 teams over 18 rounds, as well as a proposed player-payment cap for the top men's and women's competitions.

Capital Football said the review was conducted by a board-appointed four-person committee, including two directors. Konstantinou and Farrow were not part of the review.

"This month saw the release of the NPL Competition Review, which has generated significant discussion across the football community," Farrow said in May.

"While we acknowledge the diversity of views, the review has been developed with the best interests of football in mind, with a focus on long-term sustainability and growth of the game in our region."

Yoogali were fuming after being left out of the rejigged competition.

"We're being treated like a dirty nappy... 'Throw it in a bin, we're done with that'," Yoogali coach Luke Santolin said at the time.

"It sends us into a tailspin. They're not just kicking us out of a competition that we've invested so much in, there's also not another competition for us to fall into - certainly not a comparable one."

The ill feeling has festered since then and came to a head when clubs were notified of the final findings and changes for next year and beyond. Yoogali had requested a change, but their request was denied.

"Capital Football has completed its assessment of Yoogali Soccer Club's request to review its exclusion from the 2026 NPL men's competition," Capital Football said in a statement on Monday.

"While the club expressed a desire to explore alternative structures, the submission did not sufficiently address the criteria on which the original decision was based.

"It lacked a clear rationale for overturning the decision and did not demonstrate the ability to meet junior pathway requirements. The proposed alternative model remains conceptual, without the formal structure or necessary assurances around governance, viability, and player development.

"Capital Football understands Yoogali SC's disappointment with this outcome and has reached out to Football NSW to explore what support and opportunities may be available for the region.

"Capital Football is committed to maintaining high standards within the NPL and ensuring all clubs contribute meaningfully to a strong, sustainable elite pathway for the Canberra region."
 
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oranges said:
I mean more importantly there's a spare spot in VPL1. Whilst logically they'll just take up both second place teams in State League instead of just one; there could be a spare slot for Yoogali under some sort of special consideration (more likely in VPL2).
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Hmm.. maybe that is the Victorian option I've heard being discussed.. I thought it would have been to play alongside Shepparton in the Bendigo league kind of like the old days (but Cobram is in the Albury league now)
 
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