Sydney FC has appointed former Football Federation Australia Director Phillip Wolanski AM to its Board of Directors, Chairman Scott Barlow announced today.
Wolanski has had a lifetime involvement with football as a player, supporter and administrator. He recently stood down from the FFA Board, having reached the maximum term allowed. During that period he served as the Socceroos Head of Delegation for 11 years, including the past 3 World Cup campaigns. Wolanski also chaired the FFA’s Football Development Committee.
In 2004/2005 he served as the designated member for Australia for the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Club Championship and subsequently for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany.
He is managing director of property group Denwol and was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for his philanthropic contributions to arts, sporting and cultural organisations.
A former Vice-President and Board Member at Hakoah Club, Wolanski has also served as a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House since January 2014.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow said: “I am delighted to welcome Phillip to the Sydney FC Board of Directors.
“Phillip brings with him a huge amount of football experience having worked as an FFA Director and closely with the Socceroos for 12 years.
“He also has exceptional commercial acumen and knowledge built up through his property business and investment companies which make him a huge asset to Sydney FC.”
Wolanski says he is excited to be joining the Sky Blues board and hopes to help take the club forward.
“Sydney FC has taken large strides commercially in the last four years and I hope to be able to assist the club make more major steps in the coming period.
“Since the Hyundai A-League’s inception Sydney FC has been at the forefront of developing the game in Australia and is continuing to do that, particularly with the Sydney FC Academy.
“I feel this is a fantastic opportunity, especially as it’s a return to football which is my passion, and I’d like to thank Scott and the Board of Directors for welcoming me into the Sydney FC family.”
Wolanski’s appointment comes as current Board Member Mark Arbib steps down, having recently been appointed Chair of Athletics Australia.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow said: “Mark has been integral to the growth of Sydney FC over the last four years and his vast knowledge of sport and board room experience have been enormous factors in our commercial successes.
“We wish him well with his future endeavours.”
Arbib joined the club in 2012 and has been part of a major period of growth for the Sky Blues.
“It has been a privilege to represent Sydney FC over the last four years,” he said.
“The club is in excellent shape and I can only see a strong and successful future ahead.
“I shall continue to follow the progress of Sydney FC with great interest as it continues to make its mark on football in this country.”
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