Sydney FC set to seek millions in compensation from Venues NSW over Allianz Stadium drainage issues

Sydney FC are reported to be set to seek millions of dollars in compensation from Venues NSW over drainage issues that the club has experienced during A-League fixtures at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.

The club is reported to be ready to make the claim following the results of a review into the drainage system at the venue which only opened in 2022 after an $828 million rebuild.

Expected to be completed in the coming weeks, indications are that the review will recommend that the venue will be shut down for at least six weeks for extensive remediation works that are likely to include re-laying of the field and works on sub surface drainage to address longstanding issues which have led to pools of water accumulating on the surface during periods of heavy rain.

With Sydney FC playing more matches at the 42,500-capacity ground than fellow tenants the Sydney Roosters of the NRL and Super Rugby's NSW Waratahs, the A-League club is said to be concerned about how the disruption could impact walk-up ticket sales.

A specific compensation figure has not been discussed yet between Sydney FC and Venues NSW, although the club did receive $5 million per season from the NSW Government when it was displaced after the old Moore Park venue was knocked down.

During this period, the club had to play home games at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah and Leichhardt Oval.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the timing of the resurfacing is unlikely to begin until after the Wallabies host Argentina on 13th September and may have to wait until after concerts by Kendrick Lamar and Dom Dolla in December.

Both options will impact Sydney FC's A-League season.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney FC Chief Executive, Mark Aubrey expressed his concerns, stating "we are working with Venues NSW and are doing our best to manage these issues, however our proposals have so far been rejected.

“As a worst-case scenario, we may not get access to our home pitch until January, and that would be extremely damaging to our season from a commercial and competitions perspective.

“Particularly in conjunction with the increase in concerts at the venue, this is hugely disappointing for our members and commercial partners.

“It’s frustrating that football and Sydney FC, as the stadium’s only summer tenant who plays the most games at the venue, will once again have to wear the brunt of these issues.”

Sydney FC’s business model is effectively built around the amenities at Allianz Stadium, through corporate hospitality, sponsorship signage and premium memberships – particularly the Tunnel Club, a pricey VIP section in which fans can view players warming up and walking out onto the field pre-match, an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The club holds further fears about how the disruption could affect walk-up ticket sales and general momentum across the season, on and off the field.

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell criticised the state of the pitch as it hosted the side’s match with NSW Waratahs.