The Chief Executive Officer of Football Federation Australia, Mr Ben Buckley, today announced he will step down from his role at the conclusion of negotiations for the FFA’s new broadcast deal in about two months.

Mr David Gallop has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Gallop is well-known as the former CEO of the National Rugby League and Australian Rugby League Commission and is widely respected as a leader and sports administrator.

The Chairman of FFA, Mr Frank Lowy AC, said Mr Buckley first raised the prospect of moving on from FFA several months ago and the two had agreed the conclusion of the broadcast deal was a logical time to make a career move.

“The broadcast deal is at the heart of the future of football in this country and it has been the most critical aspect of my work for the past 18 months,” Mr Buckley said.

“I told the Chairman some time ago I was determined to negotiate the best possible deal to underpin the future growth of the game but that once done I would like to work with he and the board to identify a successor.”

Mr Lowy said Mr Buckley had discussed Mr Gallop with him about two months ago. Mr Buckley had contacted Mr Gallop soon after he had left the NRL and had discussed possible opportunities at FFA.

“These discussions created the opportunity for us to consider Mr Gallop as a successor to Ben,” he said.

Mr Lowy described Mr Buckley as one of Australia’s finest sports administrators.

“Ben has worked tirelessly for football both at home and abroad and has steered the game through a difficult period of consolidation,” he said.

“He has the respect and thanks of the board for his contribution and he will remain a valued friend of the game.

“I wish him well for the future.”

Mr Lowy said he was looking forward to working with Mr Gallop to build on past achievements and grow the game into the future.

“Mr Gallop comes to the job well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

“He is an experienced sports administrator of high standing and is widely respected across all sports.”

Mr Gallop is on leave overseas and will be available to media on his return in about two weeks. He will assume his new role with FFA before the end of the year with the commencement date to be confirmed soon.