Chairman’s delight as Western Sydney toast of Asia
FOOTBALL Federation Australia executive Brian Schwartz has congratulated Western Sydney Wanderers Jewish chairman Paul Lederer on his side's victory in the Asian Champions League (ACL) final last Sunday morning (Australian time) describing the result as “extraordinary”.
FOOTBALL Federation Australia executive Brian Schwartz has congratulated Western Sydney Wanderers Jewish chairman Paul Lederer on his side’s victory in the Asian Champions League (ACL) final last Sunday morning (Australian time) describing the result as “extraordinary”.
“It’s the biggest club tournament in Asia and so no club can do more than the Wanderers have,” Schwartz said of the A-League team’s win against Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Hilal.
“It would be a great achievement for any club, but for the Wanderers, who are only two and a half years old, it is extraordinary.
“This makes Australia realise what is possible and continues to build momentum after the start of the A-League season and the great crowds that we have seen.”
Prominent businessman Lederer could not attend the second leg held in Riyadh because of visa issues, but Tweeted his delight at the Wanderers making history as the first Australian club to win the ACL.
“Congratulations to the #ACLChampions @wswanderersfc — the first Australian club to claim the title,” Lederer tweeted after the full-time whistle.
Following a 1-0 win during the opening leg of the final in Sydney last week, the Wanderers eked out a scoreless draw in front of 65,000 screaming Al-Hilal fans thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Ante Covic, triumphing on aggregate.
It’s been an astounding journey to the top of Asian football for Lederer’s Wanderers considering the side didn’t exist 31 months ago and required government funding in the initial stages.
Schwartz said, “When we started talking about the Wanderers, the question was should we or shouldn’t we, not can they do so well so quickly.
“If we reflect, western Sydney was ripe for a team because it’s where many of our Socceroos grew up and the Parramatta base is amazing. You just had to look at the scenes on the weekend to realise how they feel about their team.
“The Wanderers have a unique following and the game is the winner.”
ADAM BLAU
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