MELBOURNE Victory won't profit financially from the Asian Champions League unless they win the trophy - but the club’s chief executive officer insists it's a great investment in the future of the club.
Geoff Miles also feels the great start by both the Victory and Adelaide United, plus Sydney FC’s narrow failure last season, is a positive sign for the state of and progress being made by the Hyundai A-League.
The Victory squad jets off to Thailand on Saturday morning to prepare for its second match in the competition with Bangkok outfit Chonburi FC.
There is the strong likelihood of a revamp next season and that could prove far more financially rewarding for Australian clubs than this campaign.
As it stands though, participants are light years away from generating the sort of riches on offer in the European Champions League.
Miles told au.fourfourtwo.com: “Well supported home games will obviously help with regard to the costs you incur to compete in the Champions League. Yes, it is a costly exercise at present.”
“As it stands, I think you need to be making the final itself to really be looking at financial rewards. But we see this as fantastic stage to really make an impression and become a truly international sporting club. That obviously brings benefits.
“It is a privilege to be part of it and it is something our playing and coaching staff, members, supporters and sponsors are relishing. It takes things to a new level.”
As well as boosting the Victory’s profile, it is also a showcase for the A-League. Miles said: “I think this is all positive for the A-League. It is another step in developing our great game and it is another example to show just how far the competition has developed in a relatively short amount of time.
“Stepping into the Champions League is not easy, it is a big learning curve but a challenge we are ready to embrace.
“Having got off to a good start at home, hopefully we can go to Thailand and look to build on the first match.”
Billy Celeski made his Victory debut in the 2-0 win over Chunnam Dragons with Tom Pondeljak also available for selection in Asia as an injury replacement.
As for further squad additions, Miles said: “We’re not a club that speculates on possible signings. What I can say is that we haven’t finished our recruiting for next year.”
The Victory squad jets off to Thailand on Saturday morning to prepare for its second match in the competition with Bangkok outfit Chonburi FC.
There is the strong likelihood of a revamp next season and that could prove far more financially rewarding for Australian clubs than this campaign.
As it stands though, participants are light years away from generating the sort of riches on offer in the European Champions League.
Miles told au.fourfourtwo.com: “Well supported home games will obviously help with regard to the costs you incur to compete in the Champions League. Yes, it is a costly exercise at present.”
“As it stands, I think you need to be making the final itself to really be looking at financial rewards. But we see this as fantastic stage to really make an impression and become a truly international sporting club. That obviously brings benefits.
“It is a privilege to be part of it and it is something our playing and coaching staff, members, supporters and sponsors are relishing. It takes things to a new level.”
As well as boosting the Victory’s profile, it is also a showcase for the A-League. Miles said: “I think this is all positive for the A-League. It is another step in developing our great game and it is another example to show just how far the competition has developed in a relatively short amount of time.
“Stepping into the Champions League is not easy, it is a big learning curve but a challenge we are ready to embrace.
“Having got off to a good start at home, hopefully we can go to Thailand and look to build on the first match.”
Billy Celeski made his Victory debut in the 2-0 win over Chunnam Dragons with Tom Pondeljak also available for selection in Asia as an injury replacement.
As for further squad additions, Miles said: “We’re not a club that speculates on possible signings. What I can say is that we haven’t finished our recruiting for next year.”
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