"Everyone in the entire football community shares the disbelief at not only the tragedy in Victoria but the scale of it," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

"Our sympathy and heartfelt wishes go to all those who have suffered."

In addition to the cash donation, FFA will also provide replacement football equipment to schools and junior football clubs that have lost equipment in the bushfires, when appropriate.

Buckley also said that:

  • There will be one minute's silence at both semi-finals to be played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on Friday and Telstra Dome, Melbourne, on Saturday;
  • Tickets will be offered to families affected by the fires and the fire fighters and other emergency services workers to the semi-final between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United at Telstra Dome;
  • There will be cash collections at Telstra Dome and at Suncorp Stadium for fans to make a donation either to the Bushfire Appeal (Melbourne) or the North Queensland Floods Appeal (Brisbane).

Qantas Socceroos playing a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Japan on Wednesday, and Hyundai A-League players participating in the semi-finals of the A-League this weekend, will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives.

"We hope that these gestures, while very small, can help bring some relief to the people who have lost so much and to the courageous men and women who have been working tirelessly to help them.

"We want to let them know that everyone involved in football is thinking of them," said Buckley.