ABOUT US

Football Australia is situated on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge the histories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to building a brighter future together.

Football in Australia is a melting pot of approximately 2 million participants represented by over 200 different cultures, we are proud to be the most diverse and globally connected sport within the Australian sporting landscape.

This diversity in culture, ideas, and experience makes us strong and prepares us to achieve our vision to ‘be a leading football nation where everyone is inspired to live and love the game’. To achieve this, we live by our company values which include: 

• Impact On & Off the Field: Challenge the way we think and do to seek ways to grow the impact football has, influence industry thought leaders.
• Inclusive & Diverse Football for all: Football is embedded in the nation's social fabric, follows the story of Australia, be accessible for all
• A United Team: Bringing people together to unleash the power of football and to deliver the vision, we bring the team spirit to the game
• Trust: Building trust across the whole football community, be trusted custodians of the game, act with integrity and objectivity

WHAT WE OFFER

At Football Australia we want to look after our people and below are just some of the many benefits of joining our team:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Birthday Leave
• Study Leave
• Wellbeing & Lifestyle leave
• Paid Parental leave in addition to statutory government offering
• Volunteer leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partner discounts
• Workplace Banking Program
• Social Activities such as 5-a-side futsal

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Football Australia is looking for a Legal Counsel – Football Governance to manage the disciplinary and judicial bodies program that promotes and protects the image and integrity of Football ensuring the following objectives:
  • All those involved in Football at all levels act in accordance with our policies and with our core values.
  • Football continues to be a safe and inclusive sport for all.
  • Football is played, coached and administered to deliver fair sporting outcomes that instill enduring public confidence in our game.
  • Disputes within Football can be adjudicated efficiently effectively through an internal framework of disciplinary and judicial bodies.
• This role is responsible for overseeing the disciplinary and judicial processes within the organisation. This role ensures that all disciplinary and judicial matters are handled fairly, transparently, and in accordance with FIFA, AFC, and Football Australia regulations. The Legal Counsel - Football Governance leads investigations, manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders, supports policy development, and upholds the integrity of Football Australia’s governance framework.
• This role will provide legal advice across disciplinary and judicial bodies matters with primary focus on legal advice and management of Football Australia’s various disciplinary and judicial bodies, and disciplinary matters arising in the A-League, Australia Cup and Australian Championship.
• In performing this role, the Legal Counsel – Football Governance will provide support to the Head of Integrity & Football Governance and Head of Football Regulatory, and the broader Legal Department.
• The Legal Counsel – Football Governance will also provide advice across a range of related matters for various FA departments, including Events, Digital, National Teams, Community, Referees and Technical.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures related to disciplinary and judicial matters.
• Ensure compliance with FIFA, AFC, and Football Australia regulations.
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and advise Football Australia on necessary adjustments.

Investigation and Case Management:

• Lead investigations of alleged misconduct, including preparing breach notices, sanction recommendations, evidence briefs, and hearing bundles.
• Manage disciplinary cases and proceedings, ensuring timely and fair resolutions.
• Represent Football Australia at disciplinary hearings and tribunals as required.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Liaise with FIFA, AFC, member federations, APL, players' associations, clubs, players, and officials on disciplinary and judicial matters.
• Liaise with members of Football Australia’s disciplinary and judicial bodies on the relevant procedures.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on disciplinary and judicial matters.

Committee Participation and Governance:

• Participate in relevant committees to support the governance framework and integrity initiatives.
• Advise on governance issues, including the interpretation and application of statutes, policies, codes, and regulations.
• Support the development and enforcement of ethical standards and disciplinary measures within the association.

Education and Training:

• Develop and deliver education and training programs for clubs, players, officials, and judicial bodies on Football Australia’s Disciplinary & Judicial Bodies framework and risk management.
• Ensure that all stakeholders are informed and updated on relevant regulations and policies.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess potential risks related to disciplinary and judicial matters and develop strategies and introduce changes to mitigate them.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with disciplinary and judicial frameworks.
• Prepare and deliver training programs on risk management and compliance.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of all disciplinary and judicial proceedings.
• Prepare reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all disciplinary and judicial processes.

Contract and Agreement Management:

• Review and manage agreements related to disciplinary and judicial matters.
• Ensure that disciplinary and judicial clauses are adequately covered in contracts and agreements 

Specific Duties:

• Manage the administration of the national grievance and disciplinary systems and servicing of the independent judicial bodies of the Football Australia including the match review panel.
• Managing the administration, monitoring and enforcing of Australian Professional Leagues compliance matters including formal notification to Clubs, Players and Officials.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and administer policies and programs related to On-field Disciplinary Rules, and the National Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Ensure FA complies with all applicable laws and FIFA regulations.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders for policy amendments, including Professional Footballers Australia.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Member Federations, national teams, other football federations, FIFA, Sport Integrity Australia, National Sports Tribunal, law enforcement agencies, and other professional sports governing bodies.
• Assisting with the delivery of education sessions to Clubs, Players and Officials participating in Football Australia’s competitions and the Australian Professional leagues.
• Support the Head of Referees in legal and disciplinary and judicial bodies matters related to Match Officials and the Laws of the Game.
• Provide legal support to the FA Competitions team for the efficient operation of the Australia Cup, NPL, National Youth Championships, and other FA events.
• Review and update A-League regulations annually.
• Deliver education sessions to Clubs, Players, and Officials in the A-League.
• Assist the Head of Commercial and Compliance with content and data strategies, including privacy compliance issues.
• Support the Company Secretary in managing governance meetings and Board Committees related to disciplinary and judicial bodies.
• Support various FA Departments with contract approval and execution in accordance with the Contract Management Policy.
• Other duties as required, including regulatory and compliance functions.

Work Conditions:

• Weekend work/availability during competition periods including throughout summer in the A League season.
• Work outside normal business hours during busy periods.
• Occasional travel.
• Evenings for disciplinary processes and FA judicial body hearings.
• Other duties as required from time to time

A full copy of the position description can be found here.

ABOUT YOU

Experience, Skills and Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 3 years PQE - preferably within sport in Australia or overseas.
• Understanding of regulations, regulatory procedures, and domestic sporting tribunals
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and risk identification skills.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and high integrity.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to interpret and analyse legislation, rules and regulations and apply this to a given factual scenario to evaluate options and provide clear advice as to next steps.
• Ability to make decisions when faced with different view / competition interests and priorities.
• Ability to maintain strict levels of confidentiality when dealing with a wide range of issues and stakeholders.
• Ability to provide practical advice in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player with problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
• Knowledge of IT and communication systems.
• Commitment to working in a dynamic team environment.
• Strong work ethic, flexibility, and ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure.

A full list of experience, skills and qualifications can be found in the above position description.

Additional Requirements: 

• Full working rights in Australia
• Working with children check (paid/employee) or state-based equivalent 
• International Criminal History Record for each country (other than Australia) in which you have resided for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (if applicable)
• Out of hours and weekend work as required

Click APPLY NOW to submit your application, including a cover letter and current resume. 

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 14th May 2025

Football Australia are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity, and inclusion. Our values and behaviours support and encourage an environment that sees its people drive impact on and off the pitch, are trusting in each other, united to achieve and embrace an inclusive environment.

We encourage applications from people who identify as female or non-binary, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island people, people with disabilities and people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you require support or advice with your application, please contact us.

In submitting an application, you agree to our collection statement. To review, head to the following link: footballaustralia.com.au/jobs/collection-statement