NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro demands Capital Football change their minds, while a more diplomatic Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall urged them to review their decision to cut the Monaro Panthers from their women's premier league.
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It means all three levels of government are now pressuring ACT's governing body after Eden-Monaro member Kristy McBain led the charge on Tuesday.
Barilaro didn't mince his words, labelling the decision to axe Monaro as short-sighted and dumbfounding.
The former Panthers president said it would be a huge blow for women's sport in the region.
A week after the Capital Football board decided to cut Monaro from the 2021 NPLW to make an eight-team competition, the Panthers were yet to hear what the appeal process was - or even if there was one.
All they've had was an acknowledgement Capital Football received their letter requesting to meet and wanting all the documentation surrounding the decision.
The club feels time is of the essence because other clubs were already trying to poach their coaches and players.
They're considering their legal options, including the possibility of seeking damages.
"I'm asking Capital Football to reverse their decision immediately," a frustrated Barilaro said.
"I've heard from coaches, staff and parents about the devastation this short-sighted decision has caused.
"Players have been left in tears and many are now seriously considering giving up their sporting dreams.
"2020 has been tough on all of us with drought, bushfires and COVID-19.
"This decision from Capital Football is just another blow for our young people, who deserve something to look forward to after the year they have been through.
"The Monaro Panthers FC are a huge part of our region's history.
"Through my involvement with the club and as the member for Monaro, it has been heartening to see this club go from strength to strength and importantly the women's side grow.
"In 2023, Australia and New Zealand will be hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup - a massive win for women's sport in Australia and a result that will no doubt have a huge impact on the development of women's football at a grassroots level.
"Karly Roestbakken, a Monaro junior, will be among those lining up for the Matildas. But her junior club, which shaped who she is today, has been kicked out of its local league."
MORE MONARO NEWS
Overall met with Capital Football on Wednesday - not on behalf of the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, but in his capacity as a councillor and mayor - to urge them to change their minds.
He described the discussions as "open and frank" as he stated his case for the Panthers.
Overall also quashed rumours the council had held discussions with Capital Football to base the Canberra United Academy at the new Jerrabomberra sporting complex.
The Capital Football-run CUA were one of the eight teams kept in NPLW at the expense of Monaro.
"I've made written representations to Capital Football on this issue and I met with Fran Sankey, the chairperson, and Phil Brown, the CEO, [Wednesday] morning to put a strong case for an urgent review in regards to the 2021 season," Overall told The Canberra Times.
"I did make the point the ACT government and local councils, particularly QPRC through the Canberra Region Joint Organisation, are fundamentally committed to a regional approach strategically.
"I urged Capital Football to think more regionally about the premier league and all leagues going forward. I've pressed for a review on behalf of the community."
Former Capital Football director Garth Morrison wrote to the board to say the decision to cut the Panthers would damage the pathway for players not in the Monaro region, but also the surrounding areas like the South Coast.
Monaro attracts players from places like Batemans Bay and Eden.
"It is my view that this decision will cause significant harm to female football in the Monaro, Palerang, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla regions," Morrison wrote.
"By removing Monaro Panthers from the competition, Capital Football has, in effect, shut down the elite pathway for players from the NSW South Coast up to the Canberra border.
"In the last two decades there have been numerous players from this region that have played for [now defunct WNSL club] Canberra Eclipse, Canberra United, the Junior Matildas and, most recently, the Matildas."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
