The A-League will introduce FIFA int'l breaks for the first time next season, "falling into line with all major leagues around the world," according to David Davutovic of the HERALD SUN. While the move will delay kickoff by a fortnight, it will give the Socceroos and Australia’s youth national teams "clear air" to play qualifiers and prepare for int'l tournaments without needing to miss A-League games. It also "paves the way" for Football Federation Australia to schedule Olyroos and Young Socceroos games on home soil. Olyroos and Young Socceroos games "drew strong interest" during the National Soccer League era, especially in the '80s and '90s, but have "rarely played on home soil in recent times." Fox Sports "rubber-stamped the move," which can help A-League clubs freely recruit internationals "without worry of losing them." FFA CEO David Gallop said, "We have been conscious of the need to balance the benefits of week to week continuity in the league against the benefits of stopping for international breaks. After extensive discussions with the clubs and with Fox Sports over recent weeks, we have all agreed to incorporate the international breaks" (HERALD SUN, 4/24).
