That figure, which is double the current deal, excludes free to air television rights which will be negotiated in the new year, with A-League matches to be broadcast in prime time on Saturday nights.   

The deal also excludes the Socceroos’ final round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup and the AFC Champions League which are controlled by the AFC and are separately owned by Fox Sports and Foxtel.  

FFA expects to make an announcement regarding free to air television, radio and international rights in the first half of 2017.

FFA Chairman Steven Lowy described the new broadcast deal as a “quantum leap” for the game in this country.

“Since the transformation of our game back in 2003, the change in football has been remarkable,” he said.

“Football has always been the world game but is also now entrenched as a mainstream Australian sport, with deep connections to Asia, the fastest growing region in the world.

“Our game has never seen a deal of this magnitude before. This six-year agreement gives us the certainty to continue to implement our strategy and grow the A-League and the W-League and invest more in grassroots football and the women’s game."

FFA chief David Gallop confirmed $3 million would be allocated each season to attract marquee players like Tim Cahill.   

“We have seen the enormous impact that out current marketing and marquee player strategies are having,” he said.

“The new arrangements will benefit all areas of football in Australia, but in particular the A-League clubs and the players who will receive additional funding as a result of today’s announcement.”