Football Federation Australia is in discussions with A-League sides Western Sydney
and Sydney FC to play "one of the three annual Sydney derbies at ANZ
Stadium from next season," according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. FFA CEO David Gallop is
"negotiating plans with both clubs" to help maximize the "potential of the
cross-town rivalry," in a deal that could enable both clubs to split
A$500,000 ($430,500). For Saturday's Sydney derby at Pirtek Stadium, the Wanderers opted to "play in familiar surroundings in front of 19,000 fans." The FFA does not "have the authority to over-rule the Wanderers during the regular season, but they are in talks with Western Sydney and Sydney FC to work out an arrangement that could bring 70,000 people to a neutral venue." The logistics of the exercise "are still unclear." A gate-sharing option "has been discussed for the clubs to split the profit." Gallop: "If we're leaving people outside the stadium or they are unable to get a
ticket, then we need to be looking at making sure they can see the game
and maximize the potential that the game creates" (SMH, 11/24).
