Post by Perm on Oct 9, 2007 12:51:09 GMT 10
FFA plans for 10-team comp
By David Davutovic
October 09, 2007 FOOTBALL Federation Australia is to commission a report which could result in the A-League being expanded to 10 teams in 2009.
Gold Coast and Townsville have held formal discussions with FFA and are the frontrunners, along with a second Sydney team - either west Sydney or Penrith. Wollongong is also well advanced.
The eight inaugural clubs signed a five-year moratorium preventing the addition of new franchises but FFA are keeping an open mind until the report is submitted.
Chief executive Ben Buckley confirmed that FFA would select a consultancy firm within a month, with the report due for completion by March next year.
"First, the report will look at the current structure of the A-League and the operating performances off the field of the existing clubs which will help us establish benchmarks," Buckley said.
"Secondly, it will look at the future structure and expansion so we can get a better understanding of the cost and organisational structures required to compete effectively in the new A-League.
"It will review the number of teams in the A-League, the optimum number of clubs in the future structure, location of teams and, most significantly, the geographical regions.
"There is a moratorium on issuing new licences prior to the end of the five-year period, but the report could recommend that the A-League be expanded before 2010.
"One of the key factors will be the quality of venue because that does underpin a number of things like the financial viability of the club and the quality of environment to attract a new audience.
"It's fundamental to the long-term success of the individual clubs."
Buckley said the report would also review:
* The impact on the quality of the games;
* Competition structures and scheduling issues;
* Assessing the timing of introducing new clubs;
* The impact on timelines for qualifying for the Champions League;
* True capital required to carry a new franchise.
While FFA remains flexible about the possibility of expansion, finances will dictate whether the moratorium is lifted before 2010.
Clubs were asked to pledge between $5 million and $6 million in the A-League's inauguration, but that figure is likely to be closer to the $10 million mark by the time new clubs are introduced.
Sydney FC is a case in point, being forced to recapitalise after year one when they lost about $6 million.
Townsville project director James Gage believes the clubs are receptive towards expansion.
"We've canvassed six of the eight clubs and they've said they would vote for us to join before the five years was up, if the ducks were in line," he said.
Former Queensland Roar coach Miron Bleiberg, who is behind the Gold Coast push with former Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno, said the league required a fresh injection.
"After three years the league is vying for new teams and the proof is Wellington Phoenix," Bleiberg said.
"It's a semi change and it's caused excitement for fans, media and everyone involved.
"John O'Neill and company should be given credit, but I think they went the wrong direction to make it like the Super 14s.
"We need derby games because travelling supporters are a big part of the atmosphere and Gold Coast would be one of our biggest drawcards."
Buckley said that should the report recommend expansion prior to 2010, they would have to sit down with the foundation clubs to explain the rationale.
By David Davutovic
October 09, 2007 FOOTBALL Federation Australia is to commission a report which could result in the A-League being expanded to 10 teams in 2009.
Gold Coast and Townsville have held formal discussions with FFA and are the frontrunners, along with a second Sydney team - either west Sydney or Penrith. Wollongong is also well advanced.
The eight inaugural clubs signed a five-year moratorium preventing the addition of new franchises but FFA are keeping an open mind until the report is submitted.
Chief executive Ben Buckley confirmed that FFA would select a consultancy firm within a month, with the report due for completion by March next year.
"First, the report will look at the current structure of the A-League and the operating performances off the field of the existing clubs which will help us establish benchmarks," Buckley said.
"Secondly, it will look at the future structure and expansion so we can get a better understanding of the cost and organisational structures required to compete effectively in the new A-League.
"It will review the number of teams in the A-League, the optimum number of clubs in the future structure, location of teams and, most significantly, the geographical regions.
"There is a moratorium on issuing new licences prior to the end of the five-year period, but the report could recommend that the A-League be expanded before 2010.
"One of the key factors will be the quality of venue because that does underpin a number of things like the financial viability of the club and the quality of environment to attract a new audience.
"It's fundamental to the long-term success of the individual clubs."
Buckley said the report would also review:
* The impact on the quality of the games;
* Competition structures and scheduling issues;
* Assessing the timing of introducing new clubs;
* The impact on timelines for qualifying for the Champions League;
* True capital required to carry a new franchise.
While FFA remains flexible about the possibility of expansion, finances will dictate whether the moratorium is lifted before 2010.
Clubs were asked to pledge between $5 million and $6 million in the A-League's inauguration, but that figure is likely to be closer to the $10 million mark by the time new clubs are introduced.
Sydney FC is a case in point, being forced to recapitalise after year one when they lost about $6 million.
Townsville project director James Gage believes the clubs are receptive towards expansion.
"We've canvassed six of the eight clubs and they've said they would vote for us to join before the five years was up, if the ducks were in line," he said.
Former Queensland Roar coach Miron Bleiberg, who is behind the Gold Coast push with former Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno, said the league required a fresh injection.
"After three years the league is vying for new teams and the proof is Wellington Phoenix," Bleiberg said.
"It's a semi change and it's caused excitement for fans, media and everyone involved.
"John O'Neill and company should be given credit, but I think they went the wrong direction to make it like the Super 14s.
"We need derby games because travelling supporters are a big part of the atmosphere and Gold Coast would be one of our biggest drawcards."
Buckley said that should the report recommend expansion prior to 2010, they would have to sit down with the foundation clubs to explain the rationale.
