The fraught relationship between the clubs and the FFA took another hit following the decision of the independent National Arbitration Tribunal last night.

A statement from Central Coast Mariners on behalf of the clubs implied the league could face a further dip in attendances and broadcast numbers as a result.

And the clubs issued a dire warning that the ruling would discourage the development of young players in favour of experienced journeymen.

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The Tribunal denied the clubs' application that FFA should adhere to FIFA regulations which state it is not compulsory to release players for matches outside the international match calendar.

The clubs said they accepted the Tribunal's ruling "which has allowed Football Federation Australia to act against FIFA statues and practices that are applied globally".

But the matter won't rest there. Mariners owner, Mike Charlesworth, said the decision was "another body blow for the A-League and its fans". 

The A-League should not play second fiddle to an under 23s competition in China

“We’ll roll with the punches but someone has to be made accountable for the dwindling attendance and TV broadcast figures.

"Steven Lowy came to power saying that the A-league would become the FFA’s priority – the engine room for football in Australia.

"Quite clearly his priorities are elsewhere and that’s why a complete overhaul and structural changes in Australia are desperately required."

The Mariners, Western Sydney Wanderers, Adelaide United and Melbourne City will each lose three players. In contrast league leaders Sydney FC will lose none, and the second placed Newcastle Jets will be without one.

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“We are passionate that a stronger A-League will result in stronger national teams, therefore anything that weakens the A-League must be challenged rigorously. The A-League should not play second fiddle to an under 23s competition in China."

The Mariners have produced the spine of the current Socceroos team but after this ruling, we will have to reconsider our mantra of giving youth a chance.

Not surprisingly FFA welcomed the decision.

FFA CEO David Gallop acknowledged the timing of the competition outside a designated FIFA window was not ideal but said it was outside the federation's control.

“Going into today’s hearing we believed that we had a strong case to select players from the A-League for national representative teams under the long standing contractual relationship with each A League club set out in the club participation agreement,” Gallop said.

"As the governing body of football in Australia it is vital that we are able to select strong, competitive squads for these events so that we can develop the best players possible to represent Australia at senior level.

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"It is also very important that Australia is an active participant in Asian football. The players want the opportunity to represent their country and Australian football supporters want us to be competitive.

“FFA is also responsible for running the A-League and we consider seriously the impact these selections can have on the clubs which is why in this case we limited the maximum number of players chosen from any one club to three.

Central Coast, which will be hit hard by the decision, say the ruling demonstrates why some clubs are signing "experienced journeymen" rather than bringing through exciting young players.

“The current structure discourages youth player development by clubs," Charlesworth said. 

“Surely, we, as A-League clubs, should be encouraged to sign the next crop of young up and coming Australian stars - not punish the clubs who are doing the right thing and developing young Australian players.

“It is up to the clubs, national youth teams and at times the FFA to work together with each individual player to ensure their best interests in their own development are managed to give them the best chance to be the best players they possibly can be.

“In some instances, you will find the clubs strongly encouraging players to attend camps and competitions outside of FIFA windows, but when the best thing for the player is to play as many games as they can against the very best in the A-League the process must allow them to do so.

“In terms of metrics, the game is at an all-time low. Rather than trying to make sure that everything possible is being done to get the A-League back on track the reality is that the FFA are attempting to pull 15 players from the A-League at the most crucial time of the season.

“The Mariners have produced the spine of the current Socceroos team but after this ruling, we will have to reconsider our mantra of giving youth a chance. It may no longer be commercially viable to invest in youth and lose the best young players without any compensation.

“The 10 Hyundai A-League clubs will now hold discussions and assess all other avenues in seeking compensation from Football Federation Australia for the removal of their players outside of a FIFA international window."

FFA said it was a difficult balancing act but was hopeful of working constructively with clubs going forward.

“Satisfying the requirements of FIFA regulations, AFC tournaments and the clubs is complicated and a good example of the fact that decisions taken by the governing body regularly require a balancing of competing interests," Gallop said.

“We will continue to work with the clubs and the players through Professional Footballers Australia to seek the best outcomes in these matters.”