Football Federation Australia "will push ahead with A-League expansion for next season," even though it admitted "there are some concerns surrounding the six bids," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. While FFA "gave no specifics about what needs to improve," it is understood finances and ground issues "are problematic for some of the bids." Its concerns aside, the FFA board announced that plans to expand the A-League from 10 teams to 12 for the '19-20 season "remain on track." It was a decision "that did not come without" some rancor. The meeting was reportedly "heated at times" as the board "was split." But armed with a report from FFA management, a decision was "eventually reached to cull two bids" -- Ipswich Pride and Wollongong Wolves -- leaving Western Melbourne Group, Team 11, South Melbourne, Southern Expansion, South West Sydney and Canberra "in the race to be included in the league next season" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/17).
AS EXPECTED: In Sydney, Vince Rugari reported Wollongong's axing was "not completely unexpected," according to club Dir Chris Sheppard. Sources suggested Wollongong and Ipswich "were written off as contenders long ago." Sheppard said in a statement, "During the process it became apparent that the next two teams were likely to be capital city-based. The metrics required to satisfy many of the relevant criteria -- both financial and non-financial -- made it difficult for our region to compete with heavily populated metro areas." The Wolves and the Ipswich bid, whose "Achilles heel was the lack of a suitable stadium west of Brisbane," will both "set their sights on the next round of expansion, whenever it will be." Ipswich bid leader Pat Boyle said, "Unfortunately, it wasn't the information we wanted to hear. Having spoken with them today, they identified that Queensland needs a second license. There's no doubting that, and given what we've already displayed to date, we're in a very good position" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 10/17). In Brisbane, Marco Monteverde reported Ipswich Pride officials will ask FFA for a guarantee that the club's bid for eventual entry into an expanded A-League will be accepted to "ensure overseas investors maintain their involvement." Boyle, "while disappointed with the decision, vowed to fight on." He said, "It's business as usual. FFA will look to expand again and we want to be part of that. We'll gain feedback about our current application and know what we need to improve." Boyle said that Pride's foreign investors "remained committed to the expansion cause" as long as FFA provided them with a "written commitment that the club would be admitted when the A-League further expanded." He said, "It would give our entity and our financial investors peace of mind" (COURIER-MAIL, 10/17).
STAYING ALIVE: In Canberra, Chris Dutton reported Canberra "cemented its place" as a "genuine expansion option" for A-League officials after it survived another bid cull, making it the "only contender" for a license outside of Sydney and Melbourne. Canberra bid leader Michael Caggiano said that his team will "continue to build momentum" and work with FFA to give it the "financial certainty needed to commit" to a professional football team in the city. Canberra is "perfectly positioned to move ahead of its more fancied rivals" in Sydney and Melbourne given the proposal is built on a community-ownership model and Caggiano's team "has been working on significant partnerships in Asia and Europe." Canberra "has secured significant investment from the ACT government" and already has more than 5,000 members as well as a deal to play at Canberra Stadium, "putting it well ahead of its rivals." Canberra "is also the only bid to have links to a women's team" -- Canberra United -- and gender equity "is part of the plan to build pathways in the capital" (CANBERRA TIMES, 10/17).
QUESTIONS REMAIN: In Sydney, Dominic Bossi reported FFA has "serious concerns over the financial backing" for one of its favored bids for A-League expansion. The bid hailing from southeast Melbourne "is among the frontrunners" to be granted a license to enter the competition, "but is not yet assured of receiving much-needed grants from the Victorian state government to build its permanent home." It is understood FFA has been "largely impressed by the bid" and is "interested in establishing a presence in the sprawling region." However, sources suggested those overseeing the expansion process "have highlighted deep concerns" regarding whether Team 11 will be able to fund its proposed stadium in Dandenong, which is "required to gain entrance into the A-League" (SMH, 10/17).
