Chris Nikou to step down as Chair of Football Australia

Football Australia Chair, Chris Nikou, has announced that he will stand down from the role before the end of the year.

On Wednesday, Nikou told the Board and Congress Members of his decision to step down from the position and not seek re-election following Football Australia’s Annual General Meeting in November.

Nikou, who took the position five years ago after having initially joined the Football Australia board in 2014, leaves in the aftermath of the successful co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas’ run to the World Cup semi-finals last month and the Socceroos’ performance in the men’s version in Qatar last year.

Reflecting on his tenure, Nikou (pictured) shared, "Being in this role has been really fulfilling, and with the collaboration of key stakeholders, we’ve managed to transform the sport significantly. I have been part of the board for nearly nine years, with five of that as the Chair, but now feels like the right time for a change and to pass on the baton to a new Chair. It is important for an organisation to get fresh perspectives, especially as we look ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics and the next FIFA World Cup cycles.

"This shift at such a pivotal time will bring in new energy and ideas, which are crucial in the ever-changing world of sports and leadership. This is further highlighted when you consider the great momentum we have created over the past year with the fantastic success of our National Teams (Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas) and after co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup here in Australia.

"It's been a real honour serving the sport, working closely with the Board and the Football Australia Congress Members, and representing Australian football on the global stage. Looking back at my time as Chair, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am also excited about the current state of the sport and Football Australia's position both at home and internationally.

“During my term as Chair, Australia has firmly established itself on the global football stage, successfully bidding for and co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and achieving record national team performances. Significant strides were made in championing equal pay, the unbundling of professional leagues from Football Australia, and aligning with global standards. These milestones, combined with further growth as the number one team based participation sport in the country, the commercial resurgence of the sport and the initiation of the Legacy '23 plan, demonstrate that the game in Australia is at its pinnacle, commercially and in terms of national prestige.

"Football has always held a special place in the heart of Australians. The foundations that have been established ensure a prosperous trajectory for Football Australia and the sport. Following the AGM, a new chapter will unfold, which I am certain will be marked by continued growth and ambition,” Nikou concluded.

As mandated by the Football Australia constitution, there will be an AGM on 22nd November.

Two board positions will be up for rotation-based election, and the new Chair will be elected by the Board following the AGM.