Football Federation Australia (FFA) insist A-League supporters can appeal stadium bans - contrary to what has been understood previously.
It has been a common belief throughout A-League supporter groups that FFA's bans - for breaching the supporter code of conduct - were final, with no recourse to challenge the decision.
But after an FFA employee reportedly told Sydney FC's active supporters group - the Cove - that fans could appeal, the national governing body released a statement on Thursday confirming that bans can be lifted if an individual proves "they did not engage in the relevant behaviour".
FFA argues this has been the case since the banning process began.
"FFA takes its responsibility to provide a safe and enjoyable environment at games very seriously and would like to clarify some of the processes around spectator safety and behaviour. This process is designed and enforced to protect the safety and enjoyment of one of our most important stakeholder groups, the fans," the statement read.
"FFA does not ban spectators lightly but, like any host venue including sporting stadiums and hotels, will refuse entry to persons where we are not satisfied that they will respect the safety and enjoyment of other patrons.
"Before issuing a Banned Notice, an FFA security committee reviews credible information provided by law enforcement, stadium security, FFA's security consultants and clubs. This information includes CCTV, photos and other forms of evidence.
"The length of each ban reflects the seriousness of the conduct and the risk that it poses to the safety and welfare of our fans, and reinforces our message that we don't tolerate anti-social behaviour.
"Once we have determined a ban should be imposed in the interests of the safety of fans attending our games, our legal responsibilities require the bans to come into effect immediately.
"Since the inception of the Banning Process, it has always been the case that if a banned person can prove that they did not engage in the relevant behaviour the ban will not apply. If a banned person can bring the evidence that proves this to FFA through their club, the ban will be lifted."
FFA's banning process has been in the spotlight this week after the 198 individuals currently denied access to A-League venues was leaked to the Daily Telegraph.
While A-League supporters were unimpressed with the newspaper's coverage of the issue, their frustration has also spilled over towards FFA, with the perceived lack of an appeals process a primary issue for many fans.
This aspect of the banning process has been widely reported, which calls into question why FFA has taken this long to clarify the situation.
It has been a common belief throughout A-League supporter groups that FFA's bans - for breaching the supporter code of conduct - were final, with no recourse to challenge the decision.
But after an FFA employee reportedly told Sydney FC's active supporters group - the Cove - that fans could appeal, the national governing body released a statement on Thursday confirming that bans can be lifted if an individual proves "they did not engage in the relevant behaviour".
FFA argues this has been the case since the banning process began.
"FFA takes its responsibility to provide a safe and enjoyable environment at games very seriously and would like to clarify some of the processes around spectator safety and behaviour. This process is designed and enforced to protect the safety and enjoyment of one of our most important stakeholder groups, the fans," the statement read.
"FFA does not ban spectators lightly but, like any host venue including sporting stadiums and hotels, will refuse entry to persons where we are not satisfied that they will respect the safety and enjoyment of other patrons.
"Before issuing a Banned Notice, an FFA security committee reviews credible information provided by law enforcement, stadium security, FFA's security consultants and clubs. This information includes CCTV, photos and other forms of evidence.
"The length of each ban reflects the seriousness of the conduct and the risk that it poses to the safety and welfare of our fans, and reinforces our message that we don't tolerate anti-social behaviour.
"Once we have determined a ban should be imposed in the interests of the safety of fans attending our games, our legal responsibilities require the bans to come into effect immediately.
"Since the inception of the Banning Process, it has always been the case that if a banned person can prove that they did not engage in the relevant behaviour the ban will not apply. If a banned person can bring the evidence that proves this to FFA through their club, the ban will be lifted."
FFA's banning process has been in the spotlight this week after the 198 individuals currently denied access to A-League venues was leaked to the Daily Telegraph.
While A-League supporters were unimpressed with the newspaper's coverage of the issue, their frustration has also spilled over towards FFA, with the perceived lack of an appeals process a primary issue for many fans.
This aspect of the banning process has been widely reported, which calls into question why FFA has taken this long to clarify the situation.