The Daniel Andrews-led Government, returned by a landslide on Saturday, plans to borrow an extra $25.6 billion to pay for key infrastructure - doubling net debt - with no mention of a new 15,000-plus all-seater stadium in Dandenong in their future budget costings.
The World Game understands that several key ministers have internally poured cold water on the project.
However, recent comments from sports minister John Eren appear to leave the door open for a potential stadium build, instilling Team 11 with belief that were the new FFA board to look favourably on their bid the funds might indeed be forthcoming.
Asked earlier this month whether the government would finance infrastructure in Dandenong - Team 11 is one of three Melbourne bids on a shortlist of six for two A-League spots - Eren told dailyfootballshow.com: “We’re in the hands of the FFA in relation to how that progresses."
“We’re awaiting for them to actually tell us – as a state government – their preferred teams, those successful teams that will be going through.
“Once we’ve established that I think it’s important for us then to have a look at whoever is the successor in terms of the A-League licence.”
The new FFA board meets on December 12 under the chairmanship of former Melbourne Victory board member Chris Nikou to nail down a timetable for expansion, with new entrants on the agenda for 2019-2020.
“I understand that over the next five or six years there’s probably an opportunity for two licences but I think the first licence is important and we’re now obviously in dialogue with the FFA and the FFV in relation how this progresses,” added Eren.
“We’re obviously a government that cares very much about football.
“We’re the major events capital, we’ve got two successful A-League teams and the A-League know that if they want another successful team they’ll have it right here.”
The other bidders from Victoria are the Western Melbourne Group, who have pledged to fund their own stadium and precinct but will require transport infrastructure, and former NSL giant South Melbourne, who have their own stadium up and running.
Team 11 supports Eren’s stance, asserting that it would make no sense for the government to back a winning horse before, and if, it is ultimately picked by FFA to enter the league.
Talks are expected to continue behind the scenes, as all the bidders wait for the final verdict.
Team 11 Project Officer Matt Windley left little room for ambiguity when he said: “Categorically, the state election result has nothing to do with Team 11’s pitch for state government funding for a stadium in Dandenong."
“As sports minister Erwin said a few weeks ago, the state government wants to see a third team in Melbourne but they are not going to make the call for the FFA.
“The FFA needs to tell them where they want the third team in Melbourne, if they want a third team in Melbourne.
“Until such time no commitment can be made to us, Western Melbourne or to South Melbourne regarding any of our infrastructure requirements.
“From our perspective, we’ve got the train station 50 metres away. We’ve we got more than 5000 car spots within a 1.2km radius and we are smack bang in the middle of a population of 1.5 million people.
“It’s easier for them to get to a stadium in the middle of Dandenong than it would be to get to AAMI Park or the city.
“We have council land and all it needs is that stadium which will do a hell of a lot for the regeneration of the area as a whole, not just acts as a sporting facility one football club.”
