FFA and the German Football Association have renewed of a Memorandum of Understanding, which identifies a number of areas of collaboration between the countries.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the German Football Association - Deutscher Fussball-Bund (DFB) - re-affirmed their partnership in football through the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Sydney today.
The MOU, signed by FFA CEO David Gallop and DFB Head of International Relations Markus Weidner, identifies a number of areas of collaboration between the countries including football development, management and hosting major events.
"Germany is a great football nation with a proud record of success over many years," said Mr Gallop.
“The Bundesliga and Frauen-Bundesliga are top-class, the community of grassroots clubs is the envy of many other aspiring football nations, and Germany continues to produce leading male and female teams and coaches. There is much we can learn from the DFB.”
DFB Head of International Relations, Markus Weidner, praised the success of the Hyundai A-League and the great progress being made in Australian football.
“The amazing success of the A-League this year has been noted in Germany and throughout Europe - more and more elite European players are interested in playing here,” said Mr Weidner.
“Take this with the continued qualification by both Men-s and Women-s Australian National Teams for FIFA competitions and there can be no doubt Australia is making great strides - it has the potential to become a true power in world football.”
The MOU incorporates the sharing of technical information and coach development, the exchange of information and best practices in football management, the possibility of friendly international matches and the transfer of knowledge in the lead up to AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
“I have no doubt that Australia will deliver a spectacular AFC Asian Cup in 2015 which will not only be a world-class event, but will be a true festival of football for the Asian region,” said Weidner who also met with Asian Cup LOC CEO Michael Brown today.
“From the plans I have seen, Australia is quite advanced in its planning for the Asian Cup and on-track for success and however we can help, we will”.
FFA Director and AFC Vice President Moya Dodd was also present for the historic signing and was pleased that the MOU commits both Australia and Germany to developing football throughout Asia.
“FFA and DFB have agreed to closely collaborate in technical projects in India and South East Asia,” said Ms Dodd.
“These are two regions with a tremendous passion for football, and I am pleased that together we can make a meaningful contribution to the continued development of football in the AFC.
“The DFB is also a world leader in women's football, especially in their highly successful talent development pathway, league development, and female coach education. We are ambitious in women's football, and our MOU represents a great opportunity to learn from the leaders."