ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry has confirmed that the ACT Government has offered a financial contribution of $1.2 million per annum should the bid be successful.

Bid Organiser Michael Caggiano thanked the ACT Government and said the commitment added additional financial muscle to what is already a very strong bid.

“This is amazing news, this commitment of ongoing government funding is a major boost to the long term financial prosperity of this club,” Caggiano said.

“Since the first day the bid was announced we’ve been blown away by the level of support from the local community and this offer just highlights just how much an A-League team would mean to this region.”

Caggiano said the bid is now in a position he believes will be very difficult for the FFA to turn away.

“We have more than 7,000 Foundation Members, we have Australia’s best Technical Director in Ron Smith, and now we have a funding commitment that will support the club for years to come,” he said.

ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said she was pleased to be able to contribute to bringing an A-League team to the Canberra region.

“The ACT Government sees major benefits for our community to a Canberra and Capital Region A-League club,” she said.

“There is clear potential to further showcase elite sporting talent in the ACT, bring new summer content to GIO Stadium Canberra and support the sport of football in pursuit to grow the game from grassroots to elite levels in the ACT and region.”