3 days ago
One of Ange Postecoglou's former clubs is hit with winding up application by the Australian Tax Office over 'unpaid debt'
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has made an application to the Federal Courts to have the Brisbane Roar wound up due to the club's 'historical debt'.
The winding-up application was made on Wednesday, but the club, who are owned by Indonesian-based Bakrie Group, are confident that the matter can be settled quickly.
The matter is will be heard in the Federal Court on July 4 and relates to unpaid debts.
Roar cheif executive officer Kaz Patafta, who is currently in Indonesia for meetings with the club's owners, said: 'The club has been working collaboratively with the ATO over this matter for some time and has a plan in place to resolve imminently.'
It is understood that the club's owners' the Bakrie Group are looking to pay the debt by as early as next week.
The Bakrie Group are owned by billionaire Nirwan Bakrie and have interests across a range of industries, from mining to property.
They took a majority stake in the club back in 2011, purchasing 70 per cent of the club's shares. It was announced a year later that they had taken full control of the club, with 100 per cent ownership.
Their purchase of a 100 per cent stake came the same year Ange Postecoglou left the Roar after guiding the club to consecutive A-League titles in 2011 and 2012.
A spokesperson from the Professional Footballers Australia said they had been in contact with the club and added: 'We are confident the matter will be resolved promptly.'
Australian Professional Leagues are also confident the matter will be dealt with swiftly, with the Roar ending the 2024-25 season 12th in the ladder.
Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander expressed the importance of having a top-tier football side in the state.
'We want them to be healthy,' he said.
'I know they've had a bit of a struggle in recent years. I went to one of their games just about a month ago and it's a great experience.
