FFA appoints 2015 AFC Asian Cup chief

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced the appointment of Michael Brown as Chief Executive of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

Michael Brown, with a career spanning 21 years in Australian professional sports administration, comes to the role after nine years as General Manager, Cricket, with Cricket Australia. He previously served for six years as Chief Executive of AFL club Hawthorn.

Following an international recruitment search, FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC said he was delighted to have secured such a high-calibre executive, stating "Michael will bring the right mix of international event experience, organisational acumen and business skills to the role.

"This tournament is the pinnacle for the 46 nations of the AFC who represent half the world's population and some of the most passionate fans found anywhere.

"Australia has been entrusted with hosting rights and today's announcement of a highly-regarded executive as CEO shows we are determined to stage a world-class event that will make Australia and Asia proud."

Brown holds tertiary qualifications in Education and Business Administration and began his career in professional sport administration in 1990.

His role with Cricket Australia included responsibilities for international event scheduling, industrial relations, high performance, government relations and commercial functions.

Brown explained "this is shaping as the most exciting and challenging role of my career.

"The scale and scope of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup makes it one of world football's biggest and most important events.

"I'm honoured to have been appointed as CEO and look forward to helping build a world-class organising team."

Brown will commence his new role early next year.

The 2015 AFC Asian Cup is scheduled for January 2015 with matches in the 16-nation tournament to be played in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Queensland.

Australia was the runner-up in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup played in Qatar. 

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