Fox Sports’ exclusive negotiating period with the FFA expires at the end of September, with the current broadcast rights due to expire in mid-2017.

As a result, FFA hasn’t been able to begin any discussions with free-to-air broadcasters about the A-League rights.

Gallop said it was unlikely a new broadcast deal would be struck with Fox Sports prior to the new A-League season in early October, given that the window was now “slim”.

One scenario is for Fox Sports to buy the rights and on-sell them to free-to-air broadcasters, which Gallop said had been positively received across the board.

“As we understand it, all free-to-air networks are interested and those conversations are happening between the FTAs and Fox,” Gallop said.

Gallop further explained the current situation between FFA and Fox Sports amid the exclusive negotiating period.

“We’re in constructive dialogue with them on a daily/weekly basis,” Gallop said.

“There’s obviously a window about coverage in the upcoming season but it’s very narrow now.

“It’s difficult to say where it’ll end up on that front. Contractually that’s where we are at.”

Gallop added that new Australian English Premier League broadcaster Optus Sports had shown interest in the A-League and were an option for FFA to explore once Fox Sports’ exclusive period ends.

“They’ve obviously made a massive investment in EPL,” Gallop said.

“Their focus is on football content. We can’t actively talk to them during this period but they’ve indicated a strong appetite for the A-League.”

Meanwhile, Thursday night’s Australia-Iraq 2018 World Cup qualifier wasn’t shown on free-to-air television, much to the frustration of football fans.

It is understood, FFA is hopeful of striking an international deal with a free-to-air broadcaster for Wednesday morning’s (AEST) World Cup qualifier between Australia and UAE in Abu Dhabi.

Previously, SBS had shared rights to World Cup qualifiers with Fox Sports but the deal ended when the Asian Football Confederation took back the TV rights for Lagardere (previously World Sports Group) to negotiate on their behalf.

An insider revealed the deal for the Iraq game was finalised too late for them to arrange a partnership with a free-to-air broadcaster before kick-off.