Lowy wants 12 teams

 FFA chairman Frank Lowy has revealed plans to extend the Hyundai A-League to a 12 team competition.

“I certainly hope that (for the 2010/11 season) we’ll have 12 teams and I think at that time we kind of need to reassess our capacity, our future,” Lowy said.

“And maybe the other two teams which I have some hope for will have to take a little time but (we will add two teams) next year and the year after.”

Lowy all but confirmed Melbourne and Sydney’s new teams for the expanding competition.

“We’re talking to a Melbourne (based consortium) which we have already given a preference for one (of the new licences) and we are working with a Sydney syndicate that may materialise in the next few months.”

“The one-team per city (concept) was very good up to now but I think we need to double up on that,” he said.

“First of all for Sydney spectators it would be good for them if they could watch a game every week … Sydney or Melbourne should be able to support two teams.”

“I mean (with a population of) four or five million people, and of course the distances are far and West Sydney has a definite place in this competition and we’re confident that we’ll find the right consortia and it will be successful.”

Published on November 28, 2008