Hyundai A-League Approves Two New Expansion Teams
Football Federation Australia has granted Western Melbourne Group and Macarthur South West Sydney licences to join an expanded Hyundai A-League, at a time when the sport is languishing, with dismal ground attendances and poor TV ratings.
Although there is jubilation in Western Melbourne and South West Sydney, unsuccessful bids from South Melbourne, Dandenong and Canberra left the clubs frustrated, while fans and the soccer community hit out at the decision to stagger the entry of new teams over two seasons.
Western Melbourne Group will enter the competition in season 2019/20, with Macarthur South West Sydney entering the competition the following season 2020/21.
Part of the FFA’s drive – and the interest of the existing A-League clubs – was to increase and strengthen the value of A-League licences, which reflects the $10 million entry point for interested franchises in this expansion round.
In deciding to expand the competition in this manner, the FFA Board accepted the recommendations of the FFA Senior Executive; Two Directors, Remo Nogarotto and Joseph Carrozzi, recused themselves from deliberations and decision-making on the matter.
Football Federation Australia Chairman, Chris Nikou, said it was an exciting time for football and the level of interest in joining the Hyundai A-League from prospective bidders highlighted the huge potential for the game in Australia.
“We have seen unprecedented interest from bids to be part of the Hyundai A-League and we are excited about our two new expansion clubs in Sydney and Melbourne.
“An expanded Hyundai A-League will connect new communities in our two biggest markets, create new rivalries, bigger television audiences, more derbies and importantly, further opportunities for Australian footballers to play at the highest level in this country.
“One of the key factors in our decision was the long-term growth opportunity for each club in each new geography.
“South-West Sydney and Melbourne represent some of the biggest growth corridors in Australia,” he said.
Football Federation Australia Chief Executive Officer, David Gallop AM said the decision to grant the licences for 2019/20 and 2020/21 respectively will mean the benefits of expansion will be immediately felt, as well as allow sufficient time to establish operations.
“The expansion project commenced nearly 12 months ago, and the board has accepted the final recommendation completely.
“From day one we undertook extensive consultation with key stakeholders and there was broad agreement that expansion should occur at the earliest possible opportunity, provided it is sustainable and underpins the continuing growth of the Hyundai A-League.
“The successive entry of new clubs in Western Melbourne and South-West Sydney respectively delivers this outcome,” he said.
He said one of the key strengths of the Western Melbourne Group is the proposal to build Australia’s first football-owned and football-specific stadium in the country, with a price tag of $150 million.
“There were very attractive aspects to each of the bids, but the prospect of a facility owned by football for football will be a significant new milestone for the game in Australia.
“Football-specific stadia have been extremely successful in league expansion in other parts of the world and we are excited by the prospect of such a facility in Melbourne,” he said.
Mr Gallop said the South West Macarthur region is represented by more than 50 grassroots and National Premier League Clubs with a large and diverse population base that will continue to grow.
“Macarthur South West is a region with a rich football history that when blended with a fast-growing demography creates an exciting future for the game.”
“Both of the new teams will start their life in the Hyundai A-League in grounds that will allow us and our broadcast partners to present the league in the best possible way and at high-quality venues,” Mr Gallop said.
Time will tell if the new franchises can evoke the spirit back into the football community.
