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.