FIFA breaks could be introduced next A-League season, with Football Federation Australia set to hold a workshop next week to debate the issue.
A loan system between A-League clubs also looks set to be introduced in time for 2018-19, which will enable fringe players to move clubs in search of more game time.
A-League chief Greg O’Rourke revealed that breaks during FIFA windows, as happens in most European leagues, is drawing closer.
The Herald Sun on Monday revealed a “Project 2020” research document that had identified FIFA breaks as potentially being a circuit-breaker for Australia’s youth national teams.
LAST CHANCE: Olyroos to go for broke against South Korea
An A-League break would help local Socceroos. (Mark Evans/Getty Images)Most international camps currently clash with A-League fixtures, while a ‘Festival of (international) Football’ during FIFA breaks could unlock commercial properties for FFA.
“It (FIFA breaks) needs to be seriously considered,’’ O’Rourke said.
“We need to sit down and understand if we do take breaks, which is becoming more likely to be honest, then what do we do with that break in content for both the fans, though both crowds and broadcast.
“We’ve got a working group together which includes a few CEOs from the clubs, FFA people and PFA chief (John Didulica) which will hopefully be working towards something for next season.
“There’s the challenges of A-League content but there’s also the challenges of A-League continuity.”
Unable to playback video
An unexpected error has occurred
Deadline looming for Cahill
Didulica told Football Nation Radio that FIFA breaks had the players’ backing.
“The players have been red hot in wanting to break for international breaks and it’s something we’ll continue to advocate for,’’ Didulica said.
“We think the breaks should be there in the draw, it’s something we need to try and make work. What that ultimately looks like is a process.”
O’Rourke revealed that a loan system had widespread support, but they stopped short of installing it in this January transfer window because clubs had not factored that in when recruiting in pre-season.
“There is a lot of support for a loan system and all things being equal, we will have a loan system in place for the following season,’’ he said.
“It’s a policy change that we’re talking with the clubs and PFA to work through what that would look like and to ensure problems are solved and there are no unintended negative consequence.”
A-League to consider FIFA breaks and player loan system between clubs | Herald Sun