Gold Coast United owner, mining magnate Clive Palmer.
Football Federation Australia has moved to end the running saga involving Gold Coast United and their outspoken boss Clive Palmer by announcing the club will be axed from the A-League with immediate effect.
The game's governing body made the decision today primarily due to the actions of Palmer, who has repeatedly lashed out at the FFA over the past fortnight on a range of issues.
The tipping point is believed to have come on Saturday night, when Gold Coast took to the field against Melbourne Victory with the slogan 'Freedom of Speech' on their shirts, replacing the club's usual sponsor, Hyatt Regency - a company embroiled in a legal dispute with Palmer.
That decision saw the club issued with a breach of the A-League's club participation agreement for not having the shirt sanctioned by the FFA before kick-off.
When Palmer later claimed that the slogan was aimed not at the FFA but, bizarrely, in support of refugees, the FFA pointed out to the club that it was further breach of the FIFA statutes, which state: "For all matches, all forms of advertising for sponsors, manufacturers or any third parties, of political, religious or personal statements and/or other announcements, are strictly prohibited."
Palmer tweeted earlier today that the FFA had stripped him of his license.
"Our licence is being revoked by Frank Lowy and FFA cohorts .. I will issue detailed response shortly," he said.
Palmer indicated he would not take his club's expulsion lying down.
“We intend to fight this ludicrous decision by incompetent FFA in the courts. Frank Lowy is an institution who now belongs in an institution,” he said.
It is not yet known what results will be given for the club's remaining four matches.
The FFA is about to start a press conference at their headquarters in Sydney.
More to come...