The Independent Liquor and Gambling Authority (ILGA) has taken the extraordinary action of sacking the Parramatta Eels board, and has announced an interim administrator, a move welcomed by the NSW deputy premier, Troy Grant.
Max Donnelly, of the firm Ferrier Hodgson, will temporarily administer the club, but no time period has yet been set.
“The decision is not one that would have been taken lightly, however it now means Mr Donnelly can immediately begin the process of cleaning up and restoring the Parramatta Eels to a functional and effective club for its members and fans,” said Grant in a statement.
“It is in the best interest of the club, the league and the fans of Parramatta Eels to draw a line under this saga and restore confidence in the club’s administration.”
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has also welcomed the appointment of a temporary administrator.
“Our only interest is to help Parramatta become a strong and successful club again,” Greenberg said. “That will only happen if the club has a strong back office with the highest standards of governance.”
Eels Chairman Steve Sharp, deputy chairman Tom Issa, director Peter Serrao and executives Daniel Anderson and John Boulous, had previously been deregistered as part of sanctions handed down by the NRL following alleged salary cap transgressions.
In a season to forget, the club has also been struck by a series of off-field indiscretions involving Parramatta players.
Clubs NSW also welcomed the decision.
“Unfortunately, in recent years the [Eels] club has been beset by instability, caused by governance failure, and there is a clear and urgent need for this situation to be rectified.”
