AFL Chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick has called together key figures from the Brisbane Lions Football Club in an effort to reach a constructive resolution to the Board challenge launched last month.

Mediation meetings will be held at AFL House next Tuesday between the AFL, the current Brisbane Lions FC Board and those who have notified of their intention to replace the Board.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the AFL’s high-level intervention was designed to achieve a timely outcome in the best long term interests of the Club and its loyal membership base and supporters.

“The AFL’s preference was for this matter to be resolved internally through negotiation and compromise, but this hope appears to have receded in recent times,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“It is crucial that the Club’s leadership and direction is settled as quickly as possible to provide the Lions with stability at a time when it is actively planning for the 2014 season and beyond, including the appointment of a senior coach and the development of new facilities.

“As the Lions sign or re-sign key players, recruit members and seek out corporate support, they need a Board that is pursuing a clear and united vision for the Club.”

Mr Fitzpatrick said the AFL would bring the parties together in an effort to mediate a satisfactory outcome which would bring the matter to a close and would avoid the cost and inconvenience of a special meeting of Club members.

“It is pleasing to note that the Club’s regular operations are continuing as normal, as is the process to identify a new senior coach for the Lions,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“But it is the AFL’s belief that the interests of Lions members and supporters are best served by resolving the Board dispute as quickly as possible to enable the Lions’ sole focus to be on strengthening the Club and its prospects for success, both on and off the field.”

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