On the back of Australia’s incredible performance at the FIFA World Cup in 2022, what does it mean for the future of soccer in Australia?

The game has had big opportunities like this before. There’s been international success, big name players on the world stage, huge participation, cultural influence and yet most would admit the game should be in a much stronger position in Australia than it is today.

So to talk about where the game has come from and where it is going, we’ve brought in someone who understands soccer, including its business and culture, as well as anyone.

John Didulica is the director of football at Melbourne Victory. He has a Masters degree in Law and has extensive global experience in all areas of professional sport, sports administration and collective representation.

He was Professional Footballers Association president for four years, negotiating a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2019 that has seen players earn much more for their World Cup appearances, and closing the gender pay gap.

John has pretty much done it all in the game having played, coached and even been President of North Geelong, and he’s worked with Melbourne Heart as well as Football Australia.

He’s also the author of Football Belongs: Eight Matches That Explain Australia and the creator of the award-winning podcast series of the same name.

About The Big Deal

The Big Deal reveals the dollars, details and drama behind the business of sport, in Australia and around the world. 

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The team

Warren Tredrea is an AFL hall of famer, premiership captain, 4 x All-Australian and media commentator. Show creator Andrew Montesi is an injury prone marketer and former TV sports reporter, while producer Dion Hayman is a sun sensitive sports media veteran of 30+ years.

The Big Deal podcast is brought to you by Apiro Marketing and Apiro Media, and part of the DM Media network.

For business enquiries contact Antony: [email protected] 

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