But a QBE spokesperson said it wasn't the Glory or football that was the issue. The company recently undertook a sponsorship strategy review and has moved into the arts and festival space after deciding it wanted a "greater gender balance" through its portfolio. "After 20 cherished years with Perth Glory, and in line with the portfolio review, the end of this final series will draw the partnership to a close," the spokesperson said. "We wish them all the best for the finals and will continue to follow their fortunes with keen interest." QBE did, however, extend their sponsorship with the Sydney Swans last year - after the "portfolio review", it's understood - through to the end of the 2022 AFL season. Make of that what you will. Glory days: QBE were there when the Glory won the NSL grand final in 2004. Credit:AAP

The Glory, for their part, are looking on the bright side and were made aware of QBE's intentions long ago. "QBE have been fantastic for Perth Glory – through the good times and some not-so-good times and we really appreciate what they've done," chief executive Tony Pignata said. "But, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. It gives us an opportunity to go out [to the market] ... There's a lot of interest there, especially now that we're moving into Asia, we've just won the Premiers' Plate and we've got Manchester United coming in July. It's a lot of exposure for a potential sponsor, so that's exciting." Farewell feast Western Sydney Wanderers marquee Oriol Riera will almost certainly be playing his final game for the club this Saturday against Melbourne Victory and appeared to make a symbolic farewell to his teammates during the week.

The Spanish striker showed his thanks for the past two seasons by putting on a barbecue lunch for the team and coaches on Wednesday afternoon at the club's training base in Blacktown. Is this goodbye?: Oriol Riera appears set to exit the Wanderers. Credit:AAP Roar deal A broom is about to be put through the Brisbane Roar squad following the appointment of Robbie Fowler as their new coach, but some of the changes the English Premier League legend wants to make to the club will go beyond football. No longer will the Roar wear orange training kits during the week – at least not while Fowler is in charge. He wants the team's trademark colour to be reserved for games only, and for his players to earn the right to wear it on the weekend by impressing him on the training paddock and gaining first-team selection.

Earn it: Orange will be reserved for first-team players only under Robbie Fowler's reign. Credit:AAP It will take a whole lot more than a few sartorial tweaks to make Brisbane Roar great again, but it gives an insight into how the 44-year-old plans to give them the "freshen up" he says they need. Expect Fowler to bring with him a new contingent of import players next season: Eric Bautheac and Thomas Kristensen have suggested via social media that they are leaving the club, and there is next to no chance that Tobias Mikkelsen or Alex Lopez will be retained. Frenchman Bautheac, the pick of that lot, has been consistently linked with a switch to Melbourne Victory. Loading Empty house

There could be plenty of empty seats at the A-League grand final if Sydney FC host the decider. The Hairdryer understands FFA has ruled the game will be played at ANZ Stadium. Should premiers Perth Glory fail to reach the final and Sydney FC qualify as the top-ranked team, the decider will almost certainly take place at the 83,000-capacity venue in Olympic Park, despite it not including a drawcard opponent. The Sky Blues could only face Adelaide United, Wellington Phoenix or Melbourne City in a home grand final, none of which would likely draw significant away support. Nevertheless, FFA will resist the urge to hold the match at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta, with that venue set to become the permanent home of the Wanderers – despte the fact Western Sydney played their 2013 home grand final at Allianz Stadium, the former home of Sydney FC, which is now being demolished. Bossley to Borussia Former National Soccer League giants Marconi are back in the limelight, having signed an historic partnership with Borussia Dortmund last month.