SYDNEY FC’s chairman has launched a scathing attack on Football Federation Australia after the governing body elected to hold the FFA Cup final at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Sydney will face Melbourne City after the Melbourne derby semi-final ended 2-0 to City, but FC chairman Scott Barlow said the decision to play at AAMI Park on November 30 had already been taken before the game, irrespective of the result.

Labelling it “a slap in the face” to his club, Barlow was furious over a decision he said was taken “purely for commercial reasons” to swell FFA coffers.

The governing body takes all revenues from FFA Cup games, though ironically last year’s final at the same venue attracted 15098 supporters - less than the previous year’s final in Adelaide.

“The FFA has got this decision completely wrong,” Barlow said. “It’s a slap in the face to all Sydney FC fans. The FFA’s decision to hold the FFA Cup final in Melbourne was made prior to tonight’s (Tuesday) semi final and it was made purely to maximise the profit the FFA will make from the game.

The Cove won’t get the chance to cheer on Sydney FC in the FFA Cup final. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

“The FFA failed to take into account any others factors. If they had they would have chosen Sydney as the venue. The fact that last year’s grand final was also held in Melbourne was completely ignored. The fact that we have the best record coming into this final was completely ignored.

“The fact that all five of our FFA Cup games will be away games was completely ignored - despite Melbourne City having three home games. The fact that over the last three years, nine of our 10 FFA Cup games have been away games was completely ignored.

“Make no mistake this decision was made by the FFA purely for commercial reasons, it is an unfair decision to our club and it is Sydney FC fans who are the ones that will miss out.”

FFA’s major criteria for choosing the game’s venue has always been to maximise its exposure in crowd and TV-ratings terms. Perth missed out on hosting two years in a row because of the effect on viewing times on the Eastern Seaboard, while Sydney are in the final for the first time.

The FFA Cup final will be played at AAMI Park. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

However the clubs were also told that scheduling would play a part, with City playing on the Sunday before and Saturday after.

“AAMI Park was selected to host the FFA Cup Final to maximise attendance and broadcast numbers while ensuring the Cup Final is played in a venue that embodies the unique spirit of the competition,” said FFA CEO David Gallop in a statement.

“AAMI Park provides fantastic facilities, which allows fans to create an atmosphere that will ensure another chapter of this great national knockout competition is written.

“By playing the Final on November 30, there will be no disruptions to the A-League schedule and it also follows the unique FFA Cup tradition of matches being played midweek. This also gives the Final some clean air so it can receive the promotion and publicity it deserves.”