Melbourne Knights' legal challenge of Football Federation Australia's controversial National Club Identity Policy has taken another turn after the FFA refused to enter mediation with the club and warned it would be banned from sanctioned competitions if it did not comply with the policy.
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A court case between the governing body and the Knights looms as the two sides are no closer to settling a complaint lodged to the Australian Human Rights Commission under the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975. Fairfax Media understands the FFA questioned the validity of a complaint against the banning of the Knights' sponsorship deal with two Croatian community clubs for their FFA Cup match against Olympic FC on July 29 and ruled out entering mediation unless requested by the commission.
The FFA warned the club it may not be permitted to play in sanctioned competitions such as the Victorian Premier League, National Premier League and FFA Cup should it breach the identity policy, which prohibits registered football clubs from adding ethnic, religious, political or broad geographic symbols, words or imagery to their name, logo or jersey.
Depending on the finding of the commission in a fortnight, the complaint could lead to court, where the Knights will challenge the policy. The Knights were unavailable for comment when contacted by Fairfax Media on Monday but began preparing for a legal battle last month.
"Melbourne Knights FC intends to see out the process handled by the Human Rights Commission in the hope of a resolution," the club said in a statement on August 20.
"Failing that, the club has already retained legal representation and is ready to challenge the FFA's National Club Identity Policy in the Federal Circuit Court. Should that situation eventuate, Melbourne Knights Football Club will call an extraordinary general meeting of all members to give more detailed information about the situation."
