Melbourne set to be first city to host two A-League clubs

FOOTBALL Federation Australia (FFA) has confirmed today that they have entered into negotiations with a Melbourne based consortium for a second team to be based in Melbourne for season 2010-11.

Ben Buckley has confirmed that the consortium is led by well known Melbourne businessman and racing identity, Peter Sidwell.

“We received two very high quality proposals for the second Melbourne license, and we had very good discussions with both consortia.

“We were very impressed with the professionalism and strength of both bids,” said Buckley.

“The level of interest and quality of the proposals reflect the momentum behind the growth and development of the Hyundai A-League,” said Buckley.

Southern Cross FC also put forward a proposal to gain entry to the Hyundai A-League but the FFA have decided to go forward with Sidwell’s consortium instead.

“We continue to be very encouraged with the level of interest in the Hyundai A-League,” Buckley said.

“The attractiveness of the competition is clearly reflected in the level of interest in the additional licenses and the quality of the bids we are receiving.”

FFA CEO Buckley also reminded the press that the ultimate goal is for the A-League to eventually grow to 14 teams but in the near future a minimum of 12 teams is the aim.

“When and where we expand the competition is measured simply by whether it is right for football, right for the existing Hyundai A-League clubs, right for the new clubs and right for the local community,” Buckley said.

Published on September 26, 2008