After recent discussions with FFA and acting in the best interest of the club, Terry Serepisos has decided to relinquish the Wellington Phoenix licence so it can be granted to a new ownership consortium of Wellington-based business leaders led by Rob Morrison.
“I feel very proud to have created this football club from scratch and have poured all of my heart and energy into it but I have come to the conclusion that it is time to hand the licence back to FFA,” Mr Serepisos said.
“This is not an easy decision but I feel it is the right decision in the best interests of the club, New Zealand football and especially the Phoenix fans. I wish the new owners all the best in the future and will always be extremely proud of everything the Wellington Phoenix has achieved.”
FFA CEO Ben Buckley thanked Mr Serepisos for putting the best interests of the club first and allowing it to enter an exciting new chapter in its history.
“I would like to thank Terry for the massive contribution he has made to the Hyundai A-League and New Zealand football,” Mr Buckley said.
“Terry has been a fantastic founding owner of the Wellington Phoenix and without him the club and New Zealand football would not be in such a fantastic position.
“While we have been supportive of every effort for Terry to find a long term solution, this is a selfless decision by Terry and will ensure Ricki Herbert and his players can continue their preparations for the upcoming 2011/12 season without distractions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to specifically recognise and thank Terry for his commitment and passion for the game.”
Mr Buckley is pleased to announce that the consortium, headed by Mr Morrison, has been granted the Wellington Phoenix licence.
“We would like to welcome Rob and his team into the Hyundai A-League and have no doubt they will ensure Wellington Phoenix continues to prosper for the years ahead,” Mr Buckley said.
“Having businessmen of the calibre of Rob and his team ready to invest in the club is a great testament to the standing and reputation of the Hyundai A-League and its future growth prospects.
“Securing the future of the club was Football Federation Australia’s number one priority for the fans and the stability of the Hyundai A-League and we are proud to present Rob and his team to the football family.”
Story courtesy of Football Federation Australia.
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