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But they admit they have yet to finalise the details, conceding many of the finer points are too complex and the race is now on to complete the job to make it in time for the start of next season.

The next stage has been pencilled in to be completed by June 30 for a decision to be made on how to conclude the process.

The New Leagues Working Group was made up of representatives from each Member Federation, the A-League Clubs, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the Women’s Football Council and the FFA Board and covered the A-League, W-League and Y-League

Its key focus points were

• That a new and separate professional leagues entity must have regard to the best interests of Australian football as a whole;

• The new leagues entity would be responsible for the professional football leagues including, but not limited to, the A-League, W-League and Y-League;

• The new entity would be autonomous and separate from Football Federation Australia (FFA);

• The leagues entity would offer the clubs greater responsibility and encouragement to invest in order to commercialise and to grow the professional game as a part of and for the benefit of Australian football; and

• The new Leagues entity should foster the development of the leagues and, through the Leagues, football in Australia by providing the pathway for Australian footballers to an elite level and, ultimately, Australian national teams.

Admitting the final findings would now be delayed until midwinter, the FFA admitted: "The NLWG determined the legal, commercial and regulatory arrangements required to give effect to the various principles involve complex matters which require more time in order to be finalised. 

"The NLWG recommended that the detail and structure of the new league entity continue to be discussed by the stakeholders of Australian football with a view to formalisation by 30 June 2019, with a suitable transition period to be implemented thereafter."

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FFA Chairman Chris Nikou thanked all who contributed to the NLWG process, led by Judith Griggs.

“The NLWG has served an important purpose in bringing all the football family together to chart a course for the future of professional club football in Australia," he said.

"Extensive discussion has occurred, all with the intent of setting up the Leagues to continue to grow, and to contribute to the success of Australian football more broadly, in the years to come.

"I would like to thank Judith for her tireless work in chairing the NLWG and for facilitating rapid progress in a short space of time.

"There is a great deal more work to be done and the FFA Board remains committed to engaging with all its members and stakeholders in good faith to arrive at the best possible outcome for the whole of the game"

The NLWG also considered the future establishment of a national second tier of football through submissions received from the National Second Division Working Group.

A draft white paper which outlines a vision for a national second division is currently under development and will be shared with stakeholders before being considered by the FFA Board.

In accordance with the FFA General Meeting Special Resolution passed on 2 October 2018, the NLWG recommendations will now be considered by the FFA Board and, if endorsed, will pass for approval by the Member Federations and the three Women’s Football Council Members elected by the Member Federations, following a review of the FFA Constitution.

If approved, the recommendations would underpin a proposed final phase of the process which all stakeholders aim to finalise by 30 June 2019.

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