FFA are set to begin the process for the overhaul of Australia’s transfer system, aimed to rapidly accelerate player development that will pump a potential $40 million in transfer revenue into the domestic game every year. In the coming weeks, the organisation will release its proposals for drastic changes to Australia’s domestic transfer regulations and approach to the international transfer market that could turn the taps on the most ignored revenue stream available to the game.
At a time when Australian football has suffered loss of broadcast revenue, sponsorship and match-day revenue, FFA chief James Johnson has described a change in philosophy towards player development and sales as “crucial” for the the A-League’s future.
One of the primary items on a white paper to be released next month will be the introduction of a domestic transfer system – a first in the A-League era – that will allow clubs to buy and sell players like the rest of world football. The document will also cover training compensation fees, transfer fees, agent accreditation and regulations, the timing of transfer windows within the season and the alignment of the A-League with the winter-run state leagues.
Last year, Australia was ranked just eighth in Asia in terms of transfer revenue received, behind Iraq and the UAE. Australian clubs collected just US$1.9 million (2.69 million) in international transfer fees last year, just six per cent of the collective sum Japanese clubs received (US$29.4 million) and seven per cent of South Korea’s outbound player sales (US$26.6 million). The A-League’s aim of matching Japan’s transfer revenue could clubs rake in more than $40m a year.
