WAFC support after chief loses court case

WA football chiefs have given their support to commission operating officer Nick Sautner after his case for unfair dismissal against the operators of Melbourne's Etihad Stadium was overruled in the Federal Court.

Sautner was sacked by Melbourne venue's management in June 2013 after it was alleged he had traded venue tickets for private benefit.

He successfully argued in a lower court he had used the tickets appropriately,.

But it was overturned in the Federal Court.

Sautner joined the WA Football Commission last year.

In a statement the WAFC said it was "aware of the judgment handed down yesterday".

"Yesterday's judgement by the Federal Court and the earlier judgment by the County Court are substantial and complex decisions. Much of the complex argument in the judgment relates to employment law around redundancy and/or termination. The judgments will be reviewed in detail by the WAFC.

"It is important to note that all the issues raised in this case occurred some time ago during Mr Sautner’s 13 year employment with (Etihad Stadium).

"The WAFC does not believe that any of the issues raised during the initial court case and the recent appeal have occurred during Mr Sautner’s time in Western Australia and this must also inform our view on the case.

The WAFC also notes that Mr Sautner’s current role at the WAFC is substantially different to his previous involvement at Etihad Stadium and is focused on competitions and game development, not stadium management."

Sautner had an extensive career in the VFL.