Anthony Di Pietro has announced that after 18 years as a Director and 13 seasons as the Chairman of Melbourne Victory Football Club, that he will be retiring as Club Chairman and subsequently stepping away from official Club duties.
Di Pietro, who will remain a major shareholder, advised the Board and staff on Thursday morning that due to both his upcoming business commitments and confidence in Victory’s platform for growth, now is the right time to step away from official Victory duties.
Victory Chairman, Anthony Di Pietro, thanked the Club, its staff, players, members, fans, partners, sponsors and shareholders for their support since the Club’s inception.
“Since joining our Board in 2006, we have enjoyed many highs and battled many challenges along the journey,” Di Pietro said.
“Whilst this season’s on-field performances did not yield trophies, or come close to our expectations, we are standing on a strong platform for the future.
“Melbourne Victory is now part of an international strategic partnership through 777 Partners with our Men’s and Women’s pathway programs linked from the grassroots to an international level.
“Our ability to recruit players, coaches and support staff is in the best position it has ever been and our community programs are the most comprehensive we have seen, with a focus to live our vision of leading, uniting, connecting and inspiring through football.
“Most importantly we continue to herald inclusion and diversity in football, which can be seen through our support and investment in the Afghan Women’s Team – which is something every member of the Melbourne Victory family should be proud of.
“Like families, we all have great times and challenging periods, but when we all stick together as proud Victory people, we know we will come out the other side bigger and better.
“This is a unique Club and I have met and worked with some fantastic people, all of whom have shaped Melbourne Victory and I’ll forever be grateful for the privilege of being a part of the Club’s journey.
“Melbourne Victory has been integral to my family and my life for 18 years and my family and I will continue to be dedicated members and fans. I will always be a strong supporter of the Board, management and Club.”.
Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie thanked the Chairman for his leadership, investment and drive.
“As a Club, Melbourne Victory could not be more thankful for the dedication, service and commitment that the Chairman has provided to us all over the course of the past 18 seasons,” Carnegie said.
“The amount of work and time, let alone passion, which goes into being the Chair of a Club like Victory cannot be underestimated and there will be no other Anthony Di Pietro.
“The Chairman, along with his family, have had an amazing journey and shaped and moulded this Club into the powerhouse we know and love.
“We are grateful that the Chairman will continue to be part of our boys and girls in blue as a major shareholder, albeit stepping away from his official Club duties.”
Under the Chairman’s leadership, the Club has achieved:
- Two A-League Men’s Championships
- One A-League Men’s Premiership
- Two Australia Cups (formerly FFA Cup)
- A history making treble
- Three A-League Women’s Championships (including back-to-back Championships in 2021 and 2022)
- An A-League Women’s Premiership
- Hosted international heavyweights including Liverpool, Manchester United and Juventus
- Developed one of the strongest and most prolific community departments of any sports Club in Australia
- Introduced the Afghan Women’s Team to the Club’s football structure
- Returned the Club to its home at AAMI Park
- Secured the future of Melbourne Victory through an historic sports investment partnership with the 777 Group.
Current Director, John Dovaston, has been appointed as the new Club Chair replacing Di Pietro effective immediately.
Dovaston has been an independent board member for eight years and will be Melbourne Victory’s first independent, non-shareholder, Chairperson.
