Perth Glory Owner and Chairman Tony Sage has today issued the following statement:
To the Glory Family,
As owner of the club for the past 17 years, I can say in all honesty that it has taken a huge emotional, financial and time commitment on my family’s part to sustain it and ensure that Perth and Western Australia continues to be represented at the elite level of Australian football.
In total, my family has invested millions into the club to put competitive Men’s, Women’s and Youth teams on the pitch to represent this great club and our state and provide a genuine football pathway for all aspiring WA footballers.
This investment was increased greatly and unsustainably by the impact of COVID-19 which decimated the club’s income streams and then further compounded by our forced relocation from HBF Park last season for 10 of 13 home games while upgrades were made to enable the stadium to host upcoming matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
We are still in talks about compensation with the WA Government and trust they see the financial damage the relocation caused the club, especially after the two COVID-ravaged seasons.
The culmination of these events and the damage they caused has made it all but impossible for us to continue financing the club and led directly to the position we find ourselves in today.
It is with profound sadness that I can confirm my decision to step down as owner of this wonderful football club which is so close to my heart and will always remain so.
I have often referred to Perth Glory as my fourth child and that provides an insight into just how profoundly difficult it is for me to step away.
However, I have always maintained that everything I do is in the best interests of the club and that commitment underpins this decision.
Australian Professional Leagues (APL) will take temporary control of the club in order to safeguard its future in the short-term while a buyer is found who can provide the level of financial support required to take Perth Glory FC forward and provide its Members, fans and sponsors with the success they demand and deserve.
My time as owner of the club may have come to an end, but I will always be incredibly proud of my family’s role in its history.
As an extremely proud West Australian, it has been an incredible privilege to have been a custodian of this iconic brand.
My only regret is not achieving the ultimate goal of a Grand Final win.
In our time we featured in seven memorable Grand Finals (two A-League Men’s, three A-League Women’s and two FFA Cup) and reached the Asian Champions League qualifiers.
I leave the club with an Academy rich in talent, with over 15 of our young players currently representing Australia at various age levels.
This bodes well for the future of our great club and our leagues that are entering a new period of exciting prosperity.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported my family and I during this unforgettable journey.
Our genuine love for Perth Glory has never been stronger and we will always remain passionate supporters of the club.
Sagey
#ONEGlory
