Imagine John Terry and Tim Cahill going head to head, neither giving an inch, in an A-League grand-final. It’s a match-up made in TV heaven as it would garner column inches, radio and TV air time. It may be a step closer to realisation following the FFA’s decision to allow A-League clubs to sign more marquee players.

One of the FFA’s strategies to help increase the marketability of the A-League is a plan to increase the number of well-known marquee players who would boost the attendance and viewing figures for the competition.

The plan is seen as an important component of trying to negotiate a new TV deal, that would benefit the game in this country, with the current deal due to expire at the end of season 2016-17.

In keeping with the strategy of attracting well-known players to A-League clubs, the FFA earlier this week announced a change in A-League regulations which allows each club to sign a Full Season Guest Player for 2016-2017, effectively allowing clubs to expand the number of marquee signings from the existing two to three players.

In addition, the FFA has also announced it will provide financial assistance to A-League clubs to sign a Full Season Guest Player to allow all of the 10 clubs the opportunity to benefit from such a signing, with the proviso being that the player targeted can meet Full Season Guest Player criteria.

In making the announcement, FFA CEO David Gallop said: “The Full Season Guest Player opens the door for clubs to attract high-profile players who not only bring talent and exposure to their market but to the entire competition. We believe the creation of this extra marquee position will allow for continued growth in performance but also marketability and visibility.

“To satisfy the Full Season Guest Player criteria, players must pass stringent marketability tests to ensure the club is not only signing a quality player who can add to on field performance, but who will become pivotal in the marketing of the A-League.This change to competition regulations opens the door for all clubs to have equal opportunity to take advantage of the Full Season Guest Player spot.”

Ahead of a new TV broadcasting rights deal, the FFV will be hoping such a decision allows A-League clubs to lure star players who are perhaps nearing the end of their careers, but not quite ready to retire.

It’s just one part of a plan to increase the attractiveness of the game to broadcasters, along with other aspects currently under consideration such as expanding the competition to increase the number of games in what currently is a relatively short season.