Experts Call For A-League Salary Cap To Be Scrapped

Global transfer data shows that A-League transfer fees "could skyrocket if the salary cap is scrapped," according to David Davutovic of the HERALD SUN. Calls are growing louder for the "outdated" cap to be removed, with industry experts saying that "clubs are handcuffed" and players’ development is hindered, "exacerbating the gulf between Australia and the world." Australia's outbound transfer record remains goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac’s A$1.7M move from Sydney United to EPL side Leicester City 23 years ago, when (Brazilian) Ronaldo’s A$32M move from PSV Eindhoven to Barcelona was the world record. Global transfer fees have "exploded" since, rising 235% from '12-17 alone (A$2.71B to A$6.37B) according to FIFA transfer data. Australian transfer fees "slumped" 35% in the same period. Most clubs support an "extensive review" of the cap, with a host of non-capped European leagues having "greater competitive balance" than the A-League (HERALD SUN, 11/10).