"Secondly, I understand the FFA's decision with the old NSL and the ethnicity and the ideas to try and take ourselves away from those cultural teams. But I honestly believe we need to bring that back.

"I see the old videos of a Sydney United or a Sydney Olympic or a South Melbourne and that's passion. They're European supporters and they understand football and they understand the atmosphere.

"We're neglecting a large portion of the football community by pushing these teams into the NPL and leaving them stagnant."

Regan debuted in the A-League with the Jets in 2010 and captained by how his hometown club and the Reds.

Financial pressure is growing on the A-League with it postponed because of the Coronavirus.

The centre back admits it is "scary times" for the competition right now.

"I've still got plenty of mates in the A-League and plenty of administrative people I speak with, both at the PFA and at clubs. It's scary times," he said.

"The viewing numbers in terms of who watches the games on TV hasn't been great for quite some time now. I think every fan was aware of that, that the competition has gone a little bit stale in some regards.

"Foxtel were obviously obligated to their contract but now with this situation there may be a loophole where they can get out, which makes everything scary because A-League clubs rely so heavily on that TV revenue.

"Without it, many clubs are unable to pay their salaries and meet their contractual demands. So what's next for the A-League will be interesting.

"If Foxtel do pull out, it's scary times but it opens the doors to other people to come in and save the competition - and I hope it gets saved. We've come so far from 2005 when the first season was.

"You build the competition up, you see the Sydney FCs and Melbourne Victorys who have become dominant forces, not just in Australian sport but they have a good reputation all around Asia. It would be a shame for these teams to be lost."