The proposed merger between Southern Championship club Olympia FC Warriors and NPL Tasmania club Clarence Zebras is off
The newly announced president of the combined club which would have resulted from the merger, George Mamacas, has stepped away and released the following statement:
“I regret to advise that the merger between Olympia FC and Clarence Zebras will not proceed.
“At the Board meeting held on Monday evening I moved a motion that the name of the club for purposes of legalities, bank accounts etc remain Clarence Olympia FC Zebras but trading as Spirit FC.
“I proposed that the club be marketed and play its games as Spirit FC.
“I envisioned a future of chaos and confusion amongst players, supporters and sponsors with the COZ name being long convoluted and unworkable from a marketing perspective.
“On Tuesday evening I was informed that Olympia FC was moving away from the merger. They informed me it was because Olympia FC members wanted Olympia to be part of the name.
“It was made clear to them that the name Olympia had remained as the official name with the on-field and marketing name being Spirit FC.
“This in my view fulfilled the members’ request for the name Olympia.
“This club, to work, needed a fresh start with a vibrant new launch which included a new on the field branding.
“Spirit FC was by most agreed to be perfect for this new club. Sadly, some on the Olympia side did not agree.
“As there is no longer a merger I have stepped away.”
The Olympia club has also issued a statement:
To Olympia Members.
After a thorough review and due diligence process, we regret to announce that the proposed merger between Olympia FC Warriors and Clarence Zebras FC will not move forward.
Despite the strong potential for collaboration, due diligence uncovered certain factors that couldn't be reconciled.
Both parties have worked diligently, but we have determined that the timing and conditions are not right for this partnership.
The decision to not proceed with the merger was made by Olympia.
Olympia FC Warriors remain focused on our goals, continue to strengthen our respective teams and work towards a successful 2025 season for all our teams.
Regards,
Olympia FC Warriors.
