Football Federation Australia will "fast track the expansion of the A-League" and invite bids for new licenses after meeting representatives from Tasmania this week, according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. An FFA spokesperson confirmed that a meeting with representatives of a Tasmania bid took place in Sydney, "where it is understood the governing body decided against granting the state its first professional football team of any code" and signposted the criteria for a successful bid. These include broadcast appeal, financial strength driven by membership and fans, "as well as servicing football player bases." Sources described the negotiations as "a real discussion" between FFA and a bid that was brought to the table with "heavy financial backing and government and corporate support" but which was not enough to convince the governing body to award the group a license for next season. At the meeting, the representatives produced a letter of support from the Tasmanian government for an A-League license as well as a "pledge to refurbish stadiums" at costs between A$20M ($15.3M) and A$30M ($22.9M). Representatives of the Tasmania bid "were the first of what is expected to be an influx of parties" ready to meet with FFA in the hope of gaining an A-League license. Expansion of a 10 to 12-team competition will "likely occur" in the '18-19 season coinciding with the introduction of a new broadcast deal next season (SMH, 11/9).
