Football Federation Australia Chair Steven Lowy "has confirmed the governing body's aim to expand the A-League to up to 16 teams," but ruled out the possibility of allowing an independent body to govern the competition, according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Lowy agreed with the plea from Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou that the competition "must undergo significant expansion in future years, potentially adding six new clubs." The issue is "becoming increasingly important" for FFA, which is aiming for "large-scale growth" of the competition that could rival other codes in terms of the number of professional clubs. However, Lowy was "quick to quash any suggestions the owners could have a controlling stake in the competition" with an independent body similar to that of major football leagues in Europe. He said, "The league needs to grow, we need more than 10 teams. Ange's book that came out a couple of weeks ago, he's calling for 15 to 16 teams, I think he's right." Despite being a guest speaker at Sydney FC's launch, Lowy took a "subtle swipe at the Sky Blues board who fought publicly against the potential introduction of a third team in the city." A southern Sydney team "remains among the front runners to be granted an A-League license." Lowy suggested clubs "should not interfere with the expansion process on the basis of their own agendas if it comes at the cost of the greater good of domestic football" (SMH, 10/5).
