The AFL Commission announced in November that they are pleased to confirm that GC17 has met the criteria established by the AFL Commission in April this year, but fell short of granting the 17^th AFL licence at this juncture.

“We commend the enormous effort of GC17, under the leadership of Chairman John Witheriff and his board as they have done everything required by the Commission including amassing more than 42,000 supporters, gaining the backing of 111 businesses, establishing a community engagement strategy, building business plans and beginning the foundations of a strong and successful club on the Gold Coast,” said Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick.

Mr Fitzpatrick also revealed that the Queensland State Government will allow the new Gold Coast team to play on the Gold Coast.

“Another important stage in the establishment of the Gold Coast Football Club was the agreement reached between the Queensland Government and the AFL concerning the GABBA which will now allow the Gold Coast Football Club to play matches on the Gold Coast,” Fitzpatrick went on to say.

GC17 Chairmen John Witheriff was pleased with the Commissions announcements and remains confident that the 17^th licence will be granted in due course.

“We are very pleased to have received notification from the AFL Commission today that GC17 has met the criteria and done everything required to establish the 17^th AFL team on the Gold Coast,” said Witheriff. “We understand the AFL still has some work to do before making a final decision on the licence and we remain extremely confident of a positive outcome for the Gold Coast.”

The Commission has given the go ahead for the Gold Coast Football Club to play in the TAC Cup competition in 2009 and training as already started.

“Our immediate focus and goal is to ensure the Gold Coast Football Club is ready to compete in the 2009 TAC Cup competition,” said Witheriff.