The two main votes today were for a new constitution. That required the backing of a minimum of 75 percent of the congress and has been the stumbling block up to now.

To get 75% of the vote meant no more than two of the state federations could object to the proposal, and until now the FFA board, led by chairman Steven Lowy, has been able to keep at least three state or territory federations onside.

Over the weekend, however, the rebel group - led by the A-League clubs – finally persuaded all the state federations to back them.

When it came to the final vote, two still opposed the change - believed to be Football NT and one other – but eight still accepted the changes and it was carried.

The FFA board were continuing to oppose the changes right up until the final vote, demanding proof that the signatures on a statement issued over the weekend that backed the proposals were real.

Lowy even gave an impassioned last minute speech to the Congress begging them to keep talking about change with FIFA and AFC, but it was too late.

CONSTITUTION

The new constitution is the process of lengthy deliberations and negotiations with top sports lawyers who are convinced it is a watertight framework for the future of Australian football.

It opens up congress to four stakeholder groups, with the main focus still on grassroots via the state federations who will retain 55% of the total vote.

Players, A-League clubs and women's football will share the remaining 45% of the vote, which means they will still need the backing of at least some of the state federations to implement any changes.

And major constitutional change will still require 75% backing of the congress.

In reality it means the A-League clubs cannot cause significant change without at least some grassroots support and cannot change the constitution without a majority of grassroots support.

But it does mean A-League clubs can block any further constitutional change proposed by the state federations.

It also opens up a multi-year pathway for other special interest groups like fans to get a place in Congress, if they can prove their stability and commitment over a lengthy induction period.

A-LEAGUE V2.0

The second vote today was carried unanimously and will see the A-League break away and set up as an independent body, effectively working under licence from the FFA, before the start of next season.

The CRWG intend to finalise the model and have it in place by the end of March next year, with it ready in time for the new season kick off next October.

They do not foresee any issues with the existing TV deal in place with Fox Sports which they see carrying on as normal.

The model for the A-League v2.0 is initially expected to follow along similar lines to the English Premier League structure.

In the UK, the EPL is operated as a corporation and is owned by the 20 member clubs. Each club is a shareholder, with one vote each on issues such as rule changes and contracts.

The clubs elect a chairman, chief executive, and board of directors to oversee the daily operations of the league.

The Football Association is not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the Premier League, but has veto power as a special shareholder during the election of the chairman and chief executive and when new rules are adopted by the league.

SALARY CAP

Its future is uncertain. Melbourne City have been one of the big drivers for these changes and they have made no secret of their desire to scrap the salary cap.

The cap will almost certainly be dumped by the new A-League body - but the timescale is uncertain and whether or not it will be phased in, or how it will affect the smaller clubs with more limited budgets like Central Coast Mariners.

EXPANSION

The issue of A-League expansion however is now in doubt. A decision was originally due to be announced on October 31.

The current FFA board may try to push it through as soon as possible before they are evicted from the decision-making process.

Or it may go on hold while the new FFA board and/or executives settle in and assess the financial state of the league and the FFA.

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION

Unlikely to be introduced in the short-term. With the A-League clubs controlling the A-League, it would effectively be turkeys voting for Christmas. Once the NPL clubs find a place on Congress in a few years' time – via the AAFC (Association of Australian Football Clubs) – it may be the catalyst for change, but probably not before then.

FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY

Under the new constitution, the full accounts of the FFA will in future be published for absolute financial transparency - which will details key staff salaries and consultancy fees – although how much of previous accounts will be published remains unclear.

However a new A-League body is likely to operate with a form of taxation paid to the FFA. TV and sponsorship money will be the main funding source for the A-League, with a percentage given over to the FFA for the right to operate independently.

Those involved in the CRWG believe an independent A-League will be able to generate more sponsorship opportunities and improve outcomes for existing partners.

However depending on the state of the A-League and FFA's finances, a decision will need to be reached on the financial viability of expansion – and with A-League clubs now potentially part of the decision-making process, they may well decide it makes more sense to put expansion on hold rather than rush it.

A-League club bosses could also be more intrinsically opposed to expansion if they fear it would hurt their own club which could prove to be a factor in the process.

BOARDROOM CLEAROUT

The final likely outcome is clear out of the board and possibly some key executives.

Former Labor minister Stephen Conroy – who was born in England before emigrating to Australia in the 70s at the age of 8 – is being touted as a possible new FFA chairman, with some hailing his football talent as well as his knowledge of the sport.

Several others on the board, with close personal or professional ties with the Lowy family, may also opt to stand down too.

But Head of A-League Greg O'Rourke is likely to stay with the FFA, with high praise coming his way from key figures within the CRWG despite last week's firestorm over the suggestion of music being played at goal kicks and corners.

CEO David Gallop's future may be less certain, although he just re-signed a substantial new two year deal in the midst of the congress row.

Whatever happens, though, nothing will be the same in the way football is run in this country from now on.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT ME?

Will it affect rego fees paid by juniors or A-League ticket prices? No, not at this stage...but maybe, if the revised, reinvented FFA can grow its turnover substantially from its current $120m a year turnover. Whether or not that can happen though remains to be seen...

The Socceroos will definitely get to defend their crown at the Asian Cup though, and the Matildas will still be able to challenge for the Women's World Cup in France next year.

And both of those were in serious doubt just a few hours ago...