Football News: Gallop cautions against A League expansion

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Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop has warned against expanding the A-League, despite increased attendances and the success in Asian Champions League by Western Sydney Wanderers.

While the league is gradually raising its profile, a number of clubs face an uncertain future.

The Newcastle Jets have been up for a sale for a while, they still have no takers to take them over.

There is also the issue of financial problems with Central Coast Mariners in the ten team league.

Added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Wellington Phoenix, with New Zealand not being a part of the Asian Football Confederation, and the AFC not keen on non-affiliated teams in leagues under their umbrella, Gallop is cautioning against rushing into expansion.

"We need to have sustainability and financial viability across the 10-team competition and we don't have a set time that we must expand by," Gallop said.

"But we want to have more than 10 teams. We want to explore linking that with our next broadcast negotiation to maximise our value.

"But the welfare of our current teams and making sure they have their heads above water is part of the timing of expansion."

Written by Tris Burke December 15 2014 06:37:28