NPL Queensland clubs will challenge professional and amateur clubs from around the country in the inaugural FFA Cup competition commencing in 2014, Football Federation Australia confirmed today.

The nation-wide knockout competition remains subject to finalisation of commercial arrangements, but received in principle approval from the FFA Board last week.

Over the past twelve months an FFA Project Team, in consultation with Member Federations and the A-League clubs, has developed options for the FFA Cup competition.

The nine State and Territory Member Federations and 10 Hyundai A-League clubs have unanimously endorsed the proposal to stage the inaugural FFA Cup within the calendar year 2014 with a Cup Final in December.

FFA CEO David Gallop said the competition was a significant step forward for the game in Australia.

“The idea of the FFA Cup has captured the imagination of the football community and there’s a huge groundswell of support,” said Gallop.

“Everyone in the game is keen for this concept to come to life, but the prudent way forward is to ensure the right commercial and organisational foundations are in place.

“FFA Management now has a mandate to conclude the many positive talks we’ve had with broadcasters, sponsors and commercial partners.”

The plan for the FFA Cup includes amateur and semi-professional clubs, including National Premier Leagues, and A-League clubs entering the draw on a progressive basis.

The options allow for existing State and Territory based cup competitions to remain in place as feeder competitions to the national cup.

NPL Queensland club Brisbane City has a rich history in national knockout competition, winning consecutive NSL Cup titles in 1977 and 1978.

City won the 1977 final against Marconi in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw, then defended their title the following year with a 2-1 win over Adelaide City.

The club also won the Queensland State Cup four times between 1996 and 2001.

Other regions represented in NPL Queensland can boast similarly rich histories, with club and representative sides from Ipswich, Gold Coast and Townsville – current home to Western Pride, Palm Beach Sharks and Northern Fury, respectively – winning state cup titles in the 1980’s.