Former Stan chief Martin Kugeler kicks off new career as boss of Football Australia

The former CEO of Aussie streamer Stan, Martin Kugeler, has landed the role of chief of Football Australia.

Martin Kugeler

Kugeler left Nine Network in January last year following a significant operational restructure which saw the merging of Stan, 9Now and the broadcast television and radio arms under a new streaming and broadcast division led by Amanda Laing.

His new appointment comes as the football organisation prepares for Australia to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, followed by the Australian men’s teams campaign at the FIFA World Cup 26.

Prior to the CEO role at Stan, Kugeler served as CFO and director of strategy, sport, business development and product at Nine.

“There isn’t a sport in the country that can match the existing domestic and international footprint of football, or the potential for further growth inherent in our game. I will be leading the team with a strong focus on innovation, robust professional structures and enhanced commercial outcomes to increase investment back into the game,” Kugeler said.

Currently, Paramount Australia has the central multi-platform deal with Football Australia to carry extended packages of games played by local teams the Matildas and Socceroos on free-to-air channel Network 10 and streaming platform Paramount+ until 2028.

The deal, brokered in 2024, also includes broadcasts of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia and the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Paramount Australia has acquired exclusive rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.