Having seen the pool of potential A-League marquee players "shrunk significantly by emerging cash-rich Asian and North American markets, Football Federation Australia is hoping to revitalise the long-forgotten 'guest player' rule," according to Sebastian Hassett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
The rule "was utilised by several clubs in the competition's first few years."
But the rising influence of coaches -- who began to demand total control over the recruitment of players -- "saw guest stints virtually phased out, with many regarding them as little more than marketing gimmicks."
However, the governing body feels an update to the regulations "will encourage coaches to consider more short-term options." It is "on the cusp of extending the guest player exemption" from 10 to 14 games, which it hopes can "trigger some more big-name arrivals."
In particular, FFA believes the A-League "is well-placed to take advantage" of the disparate calendars which exist between Europe and elsewhere. While most European leagues operate on a August-May season, the A-League's new competitors for "marquee" talent are played over the course of a calendar year. An FFA spokesperson said,
"The market for marquee players from Europe has become very competitive in the past few years with the MLS and the Chinese Super League becoming active. This obviously creates challenges for A-League clubs, but there's an advantage in the competition starting in October. We're active in the six-month window between the end of the European season and the kick-off for those other leagues" (SMH, 7/8).
