Football Federation Australia confirmed that Asian players will be a "compulsory feature of the A-League's foreign contingent" from '18-19, according to the AAP. FFA CEO David Gallop has "flagged a significant change to the make-up of imports in Australia's top tier," announcing FFA will introduce what is known as "the 4+1 quota rule that will move it in line with other top competitions" in the Asian Football Confederation. The change will not impact clubs' current quota of five foreigners, "but means one of those players must come from an AFC members federation." Gallop: "FFA has determined to move to a 4 plus 1 structure for the 2018-19 season but will prudently review the implementation to consider all relevant factors and impacts at the end of the '17-18 season." The move will force A-League clubs to "more heavily scour the continent for talent." Only two clubs currently have Asian players on their books -- Newcastle signed Chinese midfielder Ma Leilei since the franchise was sold to Chinese millionaire Martin Lee, while Western Sydney has Japanese winger Jumpei Kusukami (AAP, 1/16).