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The Brisbane Roar Football Club is facing a legal challenge from the Australian Tax Office (ATO), which has lodged an application with the Federal Court to have the club wound up due to a historical debt. The court is set to hear the matter on July 4.
Despite the ATO’s move, the Roar and its Indonesian-based owners, the Bakrie Group, remain confident that the issue will be resolved quickly. Club CEO Kaz Patafta, currently in Indonesia for discussions with the ownership group, said the ATO matter is not new and efforts to resolve it are already well underway.
“The club has been working collaboratively with the ATO over this matter for some time and has a plan in place to resolve imminently,” Patafta said.
Sources close to the club suggest that the debt could be paid off as early as next week, with the Bakrie Group, controlled by billionaire Nirwan Bakrie, reportedly preparing to settle the outstanding amount. The group, which has interests in industries ranging from mining to property, first acquired a majority stake in Brisbane Roar in 2011 and assumed full control in 2012.
The same year the Bakries took over completely, coach Ange Postecoglou departed the club after securing back-to-back A-League championships in 2011 and 2012. Since then, the club has experienced a series of legal and financial issues, including past disputes over unpaid rent, player contracts, and insurance claims.
In 2015, Football Australia’s independent arbitrator terminated midfielder Luke Brattan’s contract after over a year of unpaid superannuation. In 2020, ex-manager Robbie Fowler launched legal action for what he alleged was wrongful dismissal, eventually winning damages through FIFA. That same year, Logan City Council sued the Roar for $150,000 in unpaid fees. The following year, former Socceroo Brett Holman had to take legal steps to receive over $400,000 in insurance money after a career-ending injury sustained while playing for the Roar.
Despite this troubled history, the club's leadership remains optimistic. Patafta and COO Zac Anderson, both former A-League players appointed in mid-2023, have pledged to stabilise operations.
Professional Footballers Australia, the players’ union, confirmed they were in discussions with the Roar and echoed the club's optimism.
“We are confident the matter will be resolved promptly,” a spokesperson said.
The Australian Professional Leagues, operators of the A-League, also expressed confidence that the issue will be addressed quickly. Brisbane Roar ended the 2024–25 season in 12th place, but stakeholders insist the club’s future remains secure.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @brisbaneroarfc
