Club Statement: Essendon Royals 31-8-23
The Essendon Royals Soccer Club has recently been informed about an ongoing investigation led by the Victorian Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) into the conduct of Moonee Valley City Councillors.
While the exact nature of the allegations has not been disclosed to us, we understand that these investigations revolve around the potential bribery of Council representatives.
We refute and deny any allegation that the Club has been involved in, or was aware of, any such conduct.
The seriousness with which we regard this investigation cannot be overstated. We are actively assisting IBAC to aid their inquiry and will continue to do so in any way possible.
Preserving the reputation and integrity of our club, both on and off the field, has always ranked as a primary objective. This commitment has greatly contributed to the steady growth and continued success of our club over the years. Despite the challenges encountered, and our relationship with the Council being complex, we continue to work with Council for the betterment of the Club.
We persist in our endeavours to secure an equitable allotment of facilities and funding, which is required for us to efficiently conduct the diverse and inclusive soccer programs that cater to the Moonee Valley community.
For years, the Club has faced persistent challenges in securing a fair distribution of resources and funding from the Council. Regrettably, we have found ourselves consistently marginalised in comparison to cricket and AFL – despite boasting larger participant numbers.
As a sports club deeply rooted in the community and reliant on Council support, the Club frequently engages with the Council on behalf of our 900 players. This active involvement is geared towards ensuring our club’s competitiveness and its ongoing dedication to serving the community, a role that we have fulfilled for more than sixty years.
Our club has embraced the role of a vocal advocate, unreservedly addressing what we perceive as inequities in funding and resource distribution among the Royals and other soccer clubs in the Moonee Valley region.
In the face of these adversities, we are saddened to now be associated with allegations of bribery in circumstances where the Club continues to fight for equity and fair representation within the Moone Valley Community.
While the IBAC investigation remains ongoing, the Club will refrain from providing further comment.