A-League boss admits squads will face changes

FOOTBALL:

A-League players are being urged by league bosses to speak up after expressing frustration over a lack of clarity over the competition’s future.

Former Socceroo Tommy Oar, along with veterans Liam Reddy and Nigel Boogaard, have all publicly expressed their concern players were being left in the dark about the state of the A-League.

The three are at clubs in the Central Coast, Perth and Newcastle where players and staff have been stood down without pay since the league was suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis in late March.

FFA chief executive James Johnson says he would welcome players to make sure their voices are heard and to offer their opinion on the way forward for the league.

“We’re certainly open to more and more dialogue, of course with the PFA, but also directly with the players. We welcome that,” Johnson said.

Almost half of the ALeague’s contracted players are set to have their deals expire on May 31. Johnson concedes the looming expiration of so many contracts adds an extra layer of complexity to the resumption of the league.

While FIFA has issued guidelines for competitions to negotiate short-term extensions to contracts, Johnson admits teams may not have the same squads when the 2019-20 A-League season resumes.

“It’s effectively another transfer window,” he said.

Meanwhile, Adelaide United will seek an Australian coach to take over from Dutchman Gertjan Verbeek, who has ended his tenure at the A-League club.

Verbeek has departed less than a year into his two-year contract – he returned to his native Holland amid the league’s suspension and won’t return.

Ed Jackson