Football Queensland (FQ) has today made the difficult decision to stand down 75 per cent of its staff from across Queensland for a period of one month due to the consequential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The temporary suspension of football due to COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our game and on our Football Queensland family and the full impact of this decision weighs heavily on us all,” said FQ Chief Executive Robert Cavallucci.

“In order to ensure the survival of the game in Queensland and remain operational, this extremely difficult decision was necessary.

“We thank federal government for the JobKeeper support package and are closely reviewing the details to determine how it may assist FQ to retain and support as many staff as possible, whilst also ensuring we are appropriately resourced in the months that follow.

“I would like to thank the outstanding members of the FQ team from Mt Isa to the Gold Coast. I am proud of their unwavering commitment to Football in Queensland and the 186,000 participants of the game they serve each day in Queensland.

“A small core operational team will continue to provide some technical, financial services, administrative and communications support during the stand down period to assist our zones and the football community.

“We are a strong governing body with a strong team and whilst this stoppage of football is temporary, Football Queensland’s commitment to reshaping the game for the better in Queensland has never been more resolute than it is today.

“FQ will be back to work and playing a more essential role than ever as we recover from COVID-19,” Mr Cavallucci said.