“The board of the Australian Professional Leagues has been driving a comprehensive organisational transformation throughout 2024 to strengthen the future of Australian men’s and women’s professional football,” the APL said in the statement.
Garcia’s departure was confirmed on Thursday, with Australian Professional Leagues chairman Stephen Conroy announced as executive chairman.
On Thursday evening, the APL confirmed Conroy’s new executive role – with a “mandate to complete transformation of organisation” – in a statement that didn’t mention Garcia.
Garcia’s departure, understood to be effective immediately, means the APL has one less figurehead, with former Labor senator Conroy to oversee a critical point for the leagues.
“With significant progress made both on and off the field, the board has unanimously asked chairman Stephen Conroy to take on an executive role to lead the final phase of this transformation.
