Football Federation Australia has agreed to "keep the limit of foreign players at A-League clubs at five for the next three seasons," according to FOX SPORTS. The number of allowed visa players was "due to be reduced to four" for the '15-16 season, but in consultation with the clubs, FFA has "altered its plans meaning the change will now not come into effect" until the '17-18 season. FFA said in a statement, "The Board of FFA decided to defer the reduction at its meeting last week, based on a review by the FFA Technical Department and submissions from Hyundai A-League clubs" (FOX SPORTS, 2/2). In Sydney, Dominic Bossi reported the FFA has "long been eager to limit the number to four per squad to allow for more Australian players to be exposed to A-League football in what would also be a significant step" toward the squad rules of most Asian leagues. A limit of four foreigners including one that must be an Asian player "is the norm across the confederation's major leagues." It is understood all 10 clubs "protested against the FFA's plans which they believed would have reduced the quality of their squads." Had the governing body proceeded with its plans many A-League clubs "would have been forced to part ways with one foreign player this season forcing some clubs into a difficult roster situation at the end of the season" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 2/2). The AAP reported the "widely suspected backdown" also closes the door on a "4+1" proposal that would give A-League clubs four visa positions with another slot for an Asian player. Last year FFA CEO David Gallop championed the idea, saying a dedicated position for an Asian player "fits with our strategic direction." But just two days after Australia hosted and lifted the Asian Cup, "the appetite for a dedicated Asian player position has dried up." An FFA spokesperson confirmed the "4+1" policy was "not part of the discussion" and would not be considered for introduction before '17-18 (AAP, 2/2).
