Football Federation Victoria (FFV) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to move to the new purpose built rectangular stadium at Olympic Park.

FFV Chief Executive Officer, Tony Pignata said he was delighted to be part of Melbourne’s newest stadium in a precinct which will undergo significant transformation over the next coming years.

“Football fans can relate to the frustration of the lack of a purpose built venue for our game in this great city. The new stadium will give us that long over-due facility and will form the headquarters for the administration of our game in this state.”

“Melbourne & Olympic Parks is one of the leading sports precincts in the world and we are extremely proud to be a part of it.”

“We have already made a commitment to the precinct by shifting the 2005 Vodafone Premier League Grand final to Olympic Park. When the stadium is completed by mid 2008, we look forward to moving our administration there as well,” he said.

Pignata said the FFV will continue to use the Darebin International Sports Centre as a premium training and development venue.

“DISC will still play a vital part in the development of our game in Victoria. The five pitches, including the three state of the art artificial grounds are near completion now. We look forward to the opening next month when our clubs, development squads and coaches have access to one of the best training facilities in the country.”

In welcoming Football Federation Victoria to the stadium, Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust Interim CEO, Sue Nattrass, indicated that the FFV and the Melbourne Victory had played and will continue to play a key role in the development of a new stadium .

"MOPT is delighted to have both the Football Federation Victoria and the Melbourne Victory headquarters as part of this exciting development. Football does have a rich history at the Olympic Park site and we look forward to a successful new partnership as the sport embarks on a new era.,” she said.