The race to join the A-League is about to begin in earnest and the competition for the first two new spots in 2018-19 is expected to be fierce after FFA CEO David Gallop indicated that the current number of 10 parties which have come out publicly declaring an interest, is expected to grow once the expansion process officially begins at the end of March.

Speaking at a Business of Sport Summit in Sydney during the week, Gallop revealed that the FFA will issue a formal call for expressions of interest for A-League aspirants before the end of this month.

According to Gallop, the FFA will release specific criteria for the potential applicants and those parties will then have several months to present formal bids with the decision on the successful applicants scheduled to take place before the end of the year.

In addition, Gallop said the FFA was aiming for a further expansion of the league beyond 12 clubs over an extended period of time and was also investigating the feasibility of a second tier competition with NPL clubs.

However the CEO urged those who are impatient for change to recognise the economic realities of the Australian market which he says presents unique conditions.

“I’d like to have a dollar for every time I have been urged to ‘throw away the spreadsheets’ and just get on with it,” Gallop said.

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to wave a magic wand and have an expanded A-League, more money for everyone, and a national second tier with promotion and relegation.

“In other words, I’d love for football in Australia to be like it is in other parts of the world.

“But it’s not. This is football in Australia.”

“That doesn’t mean we can’t be bold and aspirational and it doesn’t mean the game can’t be successful or deliver on its potential, but it does mean we have to recognise the realities of our market.”

Meanwhile one of the FFA’s most vocal critics, particularly over the issue of governance, South Australian lawyer Greg Griffin, is set to continue to chair the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA) which represents the A-league clubs, in its battle with the FFA over the future make-up of the congress. This is despite selling his share in Adelaide United to a European-based conglomerate, and stepping down as chairman of that club.

The APFCA confirmed during the week that Griffin would remain in his role as chairman of the APFCA until his term expired in November.

Griffin commented, “I’m humbled by the support from my peers and am delighted to continue as APFCA chairman and FFA congress member until my term ends in November.”

“As I said in an email to my fellow members, I look forward to working with the football family towards an independent and flourishing A-League, sooner rather than later.”