This was published 9 years ago
Western Sydney Wanderers in talks to move games to ANZ Stadium
By Dominic Bossi
Western Sydney Wanderers are negotiating a deal with ANZ Stadium to move major fixtures to the venue this year, beginning with some of their 2015 Asian Champions League games.
The Wanderers are looking to capitalise on their popularity, demand for tickets and memberships by moving some games to Olympic Park, beginning with at least one ACL group stage match in the coming months.
Flashpoint: Evergrande coach Marcello Lippo complains to the referee during the ACL match with the Wanderers.
While no agreement has been reached yet, the two parties are understood to be in advanced talks about establishing a long-term deal whereby the Wanderers will play specific high-profile fixtures at the 83,000-capacity venue.
The proposal allows for Western Sydney to remain at Parramatta, but host a small number of large fixtures at ANZ Stadium in what will be a similar arrangement to Melbourne Victory's tenancy between AAMI Park and Etihad Stadium.
Already, it appears certain the third Sydney derby of the next A-League season will be played at ANZ Stadium and will be officially listed as a neutral game, providing the Wanderers and Sydney FC with an even share of the gate receipts.
However, Fairfax Media can reveal the Wanderers are looking to move some of their ACL games to the venue with the group stage match against Guangzhou Evergrande believed to be the first Wanderers fixture played at Olympic Park.
The Wanderers were drawn with rivals Guangzhou Evergrande in group H, alongside Japanese club Kashima Antlers and a yet-to-be-determined fourth team.
In what will likely be a grudge match, sources close to the Wanderers expect public demand to exceed the 21,000 capacity of Pirtek Stadium and are looking at the possibility of moving the game to ANZ Stadium to accommodate more fans.
Tensions between the two clubs still linger after a bitter tie during the last Asian Champions League campaign that was marred by red cards, allegations of Guangzhou's coach Marcello Lippi attempting to strike a player, an on-field melee and several acts of unsporting behaviour towards the Wanderers in China. A large contingent of Guangzhou fans are expected to attend this game, as well as the Wanderers' vocal supporters.
Due to the limited capacity at Parramatta and Wanderers boasting one of the highest memberships in the league, the club considers moving high-profile games to Olympic Park as a chance to cater for all their fans at their biggest games.
Currently the club can sell only a small percentage of Pirtek Stadium's capacity each game day as the Wanderers boast 18,706 ticketed members already, with thousands more on a waiting list. Sources close to the club suggest a small number of tickets on sale at each game day is partially to blame for the Wanderers' crowds this season, with all but one game breaking the 15,000 attendance mark.
The club has long been linked with moving high-profile fixtures to ANZ Stadium, which has been met with backlash from the a section of the club's members. Fans publicly supported a decision to retain the Wanderers' 2014 Asian Champions League final leg at Parramatta with a large social media campaign protesting against a move to ANZ Stadium.
On Wednesday night, Western Sydney Wanderers denied they are looking to move games to ANZ Stadium.
"The Western Sydney Wanderers have no plans and is not negotiating with ANZ Stadium to move fixtures to the venue," a club statement said.
"The Western Sydney Wanderers club and management have long maintained that our home ground is Pirtek Stadium for both Hyundai A-League and AFC Champions League matches."