NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres has denied ever saying that the proposed new sports stadium for Sydney will be built to house The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame.
The minister retracted his statement during a specially convened press conference outside the SCG and the Sydney Football Stadium, known as Allianz Stadium, which is the site of the proposed new development.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. The first medal was awarded to Sydney Roosters and New Zealand representative Shaun Kenny-Dowall in 2015.
“I do not recall ever promising the organisers of The Frownlow Medal that the proposed new stadium would be built for the sole purpose of housing The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame.” Mr. Ayres stated.
“These are baseless rumours which have been circulated by an unknown party in an attempt to destabilise myself and my party and to disrupt the construction desperately needed new infrastructure for the people of Sydney and NSW.”
“These rumours and are neither true nor helpful.”
Mr. Ayres was quoted in the media promising to offer the new stadium to The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame due to the sheer number of footballers from across Australia’s four major codes who continue to be nominated for the prestigious award.
The minister then concluded the press conference with the announcement that the real reason for the construction of a new sports stadium for Sydney would be revealed shortly.
First published in April 2016.
Image: Nuna
The Frownlow Medal 