Bidders in dark over A-League expansion

WOULD-BE A-League bidders remain in the dark over the future of expansion, with Football Federation Australia’s board almost certain to put off a decision next week.

With several members of the FFA board expected to stand down next month after major changes to the governance of the sport were passed, it’s being seen as inconceivable that they could make a decision on which teams will join the competition and when.

With a new A-League working group in place to design a new model for the competition by the end of March, it’s increasingly seen as being likely that the choice of new teams will be delayed until the new year — almost certainly putting back any introduction until season 2020-21.

Though FFA’s management is expected to make a presentation on the eight short-listed bidders at Tuesday’s board meeting, anointing two for approval, a number of bids say they expect the decision to be delayed.

Existing A-League clubs have also voiced concerns about the dangers of putting new clubs together hurriedly and the likelihood they would then struggle on the pitch.

In a statement, A-League head Greg O’Rourke said the board would make a decision about the future of expansion at Tuesday’s meeting.

“Whatever that decision is, we hope to communicate it to all parties within 24 hours,” he said.

Gino Marra, chairman of the Macarthur South West United bid consortium, said the group had not heard anything formally from FFA on whether the decision will be deferred, but said the timing would not affect their application.

"We've been waiting for a long time to get an A-League licence and we'll continue pushing,” Marra said.