ATO applies to wind up Brisbane Roar as sports minister weighs in

Queensland’s sports minister has expressed his concern about Brisbane Roar’s future after the Australian Tax Office sought to have the club – the state’s sole A-League representative – wound up over unpaid debts.

The ATO applied to wind up the club’s corporate entity on Wednesday, with the matter due to be heard in the Federal Court on July 4.

The club is owned by the Indonesian-based Bakrie Group, which took over the then-champions – led at the time by Europa League-winning coach Ange Postecoglou – 13 years ago.

Sports Minister Tim Mander said it was important elite sport in every code was played in the state and it “would be terrible” if it lost its A-League club.

“We want them to be healthy,” he said.

“I know they’ve had a bit of a struggle in recent years. I went to one of their games just about a month ago and it’s a great experience.

“Football is the most popular junior sport and so it’s important that they have something to aspire to and have pathways to those elite levels.”

Roar chief executive Kaz Patafta described the issue as relating to “historical debt” that predated the club’s current management.

The Bakrie Group appointed Patafta in July 2023, along with chief operating officer Zac Anderson – both former A-League players.

“The club has been working collaboratively with the ATO over this matter for some time and has a plan in place to resolve imminently,” Patafta said.

A spokesman for Professional Footballers Australia, the union representing A-League players, said they had been in dialogue with the club.

“We are confident the matter will be resolved promptly,” he said.

Almost a decade ago, the Queensland Rugby Union also sought to have the club wound up for outstanding rent at Ballymore, which the A-League club has sometimes used as a training base.