Speaking last night at Sydney’s Star City during a live debate organised by the local Dutch community, Lugt told the audience he believed using larger stadiums had been a mistake when the A-League began.

“The Trust are great partners for us, but having said that from an image point of view, it doesn’t look really great to see on TV empty stands. Crowds attract crowds," he later told au.fourfourtwo.com. 

Lugt added that this was not something unique to his club and has done his own analysis of average crowds in comparison to stadium sizes across the world.

The analysis shows that the A-League uses stadiums too large for their support bases.

“It’s obvious to me as well with the high operating expenses – it simply doesn’t look good. It’s something we’ve got to live with. You can’t neglect it. It’s there,” he said.

Sydney FC have six years left on their contract with home ground Sydney Football Stadium and while Lugt stressed the stadium was not an issue in the short-term, after the deal expires, it could be an issue.  

While it’s not clear which stadiums would be an option, one recent development was the upgraded Leichhardt Oval – a venue regularly used by various national teams as a training base.

Another alternative would be a new stadium – although building it remains a stumbling block.

“Who knows? That may well be an option," said Lugt. "Again that could be an option in ten years time. It’s certainly what every professional football club would want - their own, dedicated stadium.”

Lugt cited the example of AAMI Park as being just about the perfect size for an A-League club.

He added: “It’s a boutique stadium... better than the massive Etihad stadium.”

In other news, Lugt confirmed that Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho's representatives had offered the star to Sydney FC for a one-game contract with $3m the asking fee. Lugt said the club had rejected the idea.

And speaking at the debate alongside Lugt, FFA national technical director Han Berger confirmed that former Galatasaray coach Frank Rijkaard had been offered the Socceroo coaching job.

Berger said the pair had discussions early on in the appointment process but the former Barcelona coach had told him he could not take the job as he was in the middle of a contract with the Turkish club.

Berger added that the coach who was second choice behind Holger Osieck was a Dutchman, but refused to reveal his name.