It is an issie both A-League and state league clubs have been keen to see addressed with benefits to both.

An FFA Cup would see professional sides and state teams doing battle and for the winner, it would almost certainly open up another door to Asian Champions League football.

Cup-winners in other Asian Confederation nations, such as Japan, gain entry into the ACL as a reward for their knockout triumph.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley told the Sydney Morning Herald: "We're very serious about making it happen," Buckley said. "Whether we can get it up and running this year, or whether we wait until next year, is the question."

However, with issues of cost and the sheer size of the nation and the potential travelling involved in a tie, the governing body wants to make sure all the relevant bases are covered.

"There's a lot of consultation with the state bodies to get through. There's There's also the question of how many state league clubs have either the finances or the facilities to participate, especially if it involves Asia.

"It's all about getting the format right, but what's definite is that we have to make this a meaningful competition, and the chance to play in Asia would clearly be a massive incentive."