The VFL had been concerned about Footscray's financial position throughout the year, and required that the club prove its ongoing viability to hold its place in the league; it was widely recognised that the club needed a big off-field change to survive.
It is believed that had the merger not been announced, the VFL would have appointed an administrator within the week, who would likely have wound up Footscray's financial affairs, resulting in the club disbanding entirely [REF].