FFA responds to Clive Palmer rant

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive Ben Buckley has responded to a bizarre rant by Gold Coast United Chairman Clive Palmer.

In an interview, billionaire Palmer stated that he would not guarantee the future of his "insignificant" club, then added "I don't even like the game ... I think it's a hopeless game. Rugby league's a much better game."

Buckley responded by stating "football fans across Australia will today rightfully condemn the lack of respect inherent in comments made by Clive Palmer.

"The comments are offensive to the players, coaches, administrators and volunteers who are the life and soul of Australian football.

"We welcomed Clive into the game and lauded his investment, but no matter how frustrated Clive may feel about his involvement, these comments are out of order.

"I remind Clive that as a chairman and owner of a club, he has obligations to the competition, his fellow club chairman and investors in the other nine clubs, and to the game itself."

Palmer's outburst followed a tumultuous week for the bottom-placed A-League club during which a 17-year old was named captain for an A-League game, followed by team Coach Miron Bleiberg being suspended by Palmer for suggesting that the elevation of the teenage player to the captaincy was merely a ceremonial gesture.

Following his ban, Bleiberg left the troubled club, with the former coach saying that he had resigned while Palmer insisted he had been sacked.

Beyond Buckley's comments, the FFA have acknowledged that they are considering stripping the A-League licence from Palmer, with Buckley adding "all clubs have to make commitments and they have certain obligations. If they breach those, we have rights to take issue with those breaches."

The FFA's stance is being backed by Melbourne Heart Chairman Peter Sidwell who criticised Palmer (pictured), saying his decision to air his dirty laundry publicly was wrong.

Melbourne Victory Chairman Anthony Di Pietro also expressed his disappointment at Palmer's behaviour, joining Sidwell in calling for FFA to deal with the situation swiftly.

Palmer has two years remaining on his A-League licence and hinted he would take FFA to court if it tried to revoke his licence.