In a letter to fans, new chairman Chris Nikou has vowed to overhaul the way the sport operates – and promises to consult with fans at a series of meetings with board directors around the country.

He says the FFA is drawing up its four year plan to begin next year – but laid out details of an extensive 100-day program that starts immediately.

Its two key proposals are establishing working groups to oversee the set up of a new independent A-League and another committee to focus on the creation of a national second division, as revealed by FTBL last week.

The 100-day plan also includes:
• Appointment of a new National Technical Director
• Finalising the divisive National Club Identity Policy review
• Enhancing relationships in the Asian Football Confederation 
• Launching a review of the National Premier Leagues, looking at licensing criteria, youth development, training compensation and the cost of playing
• And building closer ties with national government.

Newly elected director Remo Nogarotto – and former Soccer Australia chairman – will lead the working group into the viability of a national second tier, which also include representation from the NPL clubs' pressure group, Association of Australian Football Clubs, although the number of AAFC reps is not mentioned.

Fellow FFA directors Joseph Carrozzi and Crispin Murray will lead the committee looking into the overhaul of the A-League.

The New Leagues Working Group will review the current model for the A-League and "identify options to establish a new operating model which gives owners, clubs, players, officials, sponsors and fans a sustainable, long-term commercially attractive proposition that will deliver continued growth for the game as a whole," Nikou told fans.

"These two streams of work on football competition structures will be a major priority in early 2019 and are fundamental to unlocking the future potential of professional club football in Australia."

He added: "Across all areas of the game that we work in, recognising football’s rich history will be a higher priority for the new Board.

"In our first 100 days, we will embark on an extensive consultation process across the country. As a first step, a series of forums, attended by Directors, will be held in the New Year.

"These forums will provide the opportunity to explore future plans but more importantly listen to the feedback of the football community and begin to harness its power.

"The forums will include a series of Community Football Summits involving Member Federations, Zones and District Associations, grassroots clubs, NPL clubs, coaches, referees, fans, Women’s Council members and other stakeholder groups across each capital city.

"Separately, in conjunction with clubs, a Fans Forum will be held to hear from those who make our game so special, those that create the atmosphere many other sports could only dream of.

"We need to hear from the fans of our great game. We are fully aware of the work undertaken in the off-season by the management team to improve the fan experience, but we also acknowledge that we need to grow attendances in our league competitions.

"All this consultation and research will inform the development of a new four-year strategy for FFA and a more defined roadmap for finalisation of this plan will be provided by the end of March 2019."