Crunch time looms for A-League expansion

THE A-League’s “long-term” success is the priority when Football Federation Australia decides on the two winning expansion bids at tonight’s board meeting.

FFA chief executive David Gallop, A-League chief Greg O’Rourke and Deloitte have done the expansion gruntwork, with recommendations to be presented to the sixperson board, now chaired by Chris Nikou.

FFA officials were coy, but it is understood that a team from each of the Melbourne and Sydney markets would be recommended, with the 2020-21 season looming as the likely start date for the new clubs.

Each of the bids is believed to have offered license fees ranging from $12 million, to upwards of $20 million, though FFA has said that it won’t necessarily go for the highest bidders. Gallop said the FFA was not taking the decision lightly, and was conscious of making the best decision for the sport’s future.

“Expansion is a very important decision for the ALeague but also football more generally,’’ Gallop said.

“It’s been Australian football’s version of Snakes and Ladders with movement on a number of levels on almost an hourly basis right down to the last few days.

“The board will weigh up a range of considerations and interests, but foremost will be the need for long term sustainability, for the ALeague and the game more generally. We’re in a position to make a responsible and strong decision for the sport. But obviously there’s a limit to the amount of information that can be discussed prior to [the meeting].”

The South-east Victorian- based ‘Team 11’ bid, backed by Gerry Ryan whose Jayco empire is based in Dandenong, and South-West Sydney, bankrolled by property mogul Lang Walker, appear to be the frontrunners.

Western Melbourne and ex-National Soccer League champions South Melbourne were the other Victorian clubs in the running, along with Southern Expansion (NSW) and Canberra United.

A newly formed second division and an independent A-League are among the other big-ticket agenda items for the new board’s inaugural meeting.

The second division will form part of the new ALeague working group, which will begin earnest discussions about how best to transition from the current FFA run model to an autonomous one.

“It’s the first full meeting apart from the induction day 850,000 Shen Yuxing (Chinese billionaire) Cronulla, St George and Wollongong (all 1520,000) Kewell Harry 450,000 Local businessmen Canberra Stadium (25,000) Carl Valeri [10 days ago] and therefore the board papers will touch on almost every current issue in the game,’’ Gallop said.

“The game has a broader agenda than any other sport in the country and it’s important the board get their arms around the various demands and requirements of every sector of the game.”