Football Queensland (FQ) has today confirmed the merger of Football Queensland Far North (FNQ) and Football Queensland North (NQ) following a visit from the FQ CEO and Board of Directors to both regions over the weekend.

In a transformative day for football in the region, FQ met with Far North clubs on Sunday to talk through the current governance structure of football in the region.

Discussions stemmed from a unique change contained in the Far North Queensland Constitution made in 2017 which resulted in FNQ clubs not being afforded membership of the zone and consequently were not empowered with a say on the future direction of the game.

Following an extensive governance review and consultation with clubs in both the Far North and North Queensland regions, a decision was made to merge the two zones by extending the boundaries of the North Queensland Football zone to immediately include clubs throughout Far North as members.

FQ Chairman Ben Richardson said the decision will bring immediate and significant benefits to clubs in the region.

“This outcome will vastly improve transparency and visibility for clubs from the Far North who now have a voice on how football is run in Northern Queensland,” Richardson said.

“The two zones combined will benefit from FQ’s shared service support which will include group finance resources, marketing, improved technology and better access to club development and referee and coaching programs.”

FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said the merger will ensure local service delivery for Far North clubs whilst benefiting from the newly positioned services and resources from Football Queensland.

“Alex Srhoj has been appointed on a two-year contract and will continue to administer the game locally in Cairns,” Cavallucci said.

“The North Queensland team has a successful track record in governance and administration which has brought strength and stability to the region led by Chairman John Azpiri, who will oversee the independent board for the newly defined Football Queensland North zone.”

More details on the implementation plan will follow.