FFA urged to take action on expansion

EXPANSION of the A-League could be delayed until the 2019-20 season as Football Federation Australia continues work on a new operating and ownership model for the competition.

But Fox Sports pundit Andy Harper has urged the governing body to act immediately after praising new bidders FC Brisbane City for a ‘‘faultless’’ application.

The former National Soccer League club went public on Friday with a comprehensive plan to return to the nation’s top tier and become Brisbane’s second A-League team.

If admitted, FC Brisbane City would undergo a full rebranding and play out of a refurbished Ballymore Stadium before seeking a redevelopment of the precinct with the Queensland Rugby Union.

Socceroos great John Kosmina, who coaches Brisbane City in the Queensland NPL, said the bid was so in-depth all A-League clubs should use it as a model.

Harper said they would be a walk-up start for the A-League provided Ballymore was properly renovated.

‘‘From what I’ve seen, it’s very hard to find a fault in it,’’ Harper said.

‘‘It looks as good as you’ll find. What Brisbane City are proposing to do is exciting.

‘‘Brisbane needs another team, Queensland has been a supply line for national teams and there’s quite clearly a deep appetite for football in Brisbane. ‘‘This can deliver perfectly.’’ Harper was adamant the A-League should expand as soon as possible but FFA has ruled it out until at least the 2018-19 season.

It’s understood it may come a season later than that if FFA deems more time is needed to ensure a move to 12 teams is fully sustainable.

FC Brisbane City bid chairman Rob Cavallucci said they would be ready whenever the expansion process begins.

FFA is already confronting a governance crisis that could prompt Fifa intervention and a stalemate in funding negotiations with A-League club owners, who are angry and want an independently-run competition.

Brisbane Roar, meanwhile, have welcomed the prospect of a cross-town rival.

Managing director Mark Kingsman said last year the Roar were not ready for a second team and had ‘‘more work to do as a club’’ before one was introduced.

But after City’s announcement, Kingsman said: ‘‘No problem. It can only be good for the competition as a whole.

‘‘We have to concentrate on our business and do what we do, and let them do what they do.’’ AAP