NORTH Queensland Fury have parted ways with investor Mitch Burke leaving chairman Don Matheson to step in and shore up the club's future as the A-League new boys look at fresh investment.
The club issued a press release on Monday evening describing the turn of events behind the scenes at the new franchise.
Matheson has strived to put a positive spin on recent events at the club and insists the FFA is in support of measures to move the business forward.
It is now expected that every effort will be made to attract fresh investment although the club seem to be stressing there is no cause for panic.
There is already talk of potentially switching venues for home games (to a smaller venue) to assist with the finances.
"A need for change had already been identified as part of this process, as there is for any business that is moving forward," said Matheson.
"The Fury has built something here in North Queensland which is successful. We have attracted the highest profile player ever in the Hyundai A-League in our marquee Robbie Fowler, we have great support in the community and a football team that is unbeaten in its last four matches.
"There's no denying it is a business though and North Queensland Fury FC has been fortunate to have a fantastic business relationship with Mitch Burke who, due to changes in his own business, has decided to move on.
"The club was able to reach an agreement with him and we wish him all the best.
"The Football Federation of Australia is fully supportive of the measures identified by the Fury in moving forward as a business.
"We are continually updating the FFA on the financial position of the club as part of our license agreement.
"As a result of the transfer of Mitch Burke's interest in the club to Don Matheson, which is currently being documented, the CEO Mr Hassall has resigned as part of the process to allow there to be a general renewal of approach and management of the club. Pending finalisation of Mr Matheson's takeover of the club Mr Matheson will be acting as CEO."
Matheson said it was not uncommon for a change in ownership and of the management of clubs in any business.
"Dean has made a strong contribution to the Fury's emergence as a new club in the Hyundai A-League.
An interim CEO will start in the next few days and the club is confident of filling the CEO's position full time in the coming weeks.
Matheson added: "The ongoing changes will require the club to build on its relationships with grassroots football in north Queensland.
"The negotiations in the past few weeks have not been easy, but I am confident the decisions reached are in the best interests of the club and its role in developing football in our part of the world."
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