The FFA is considering the implementation of an FA Cup style domestic competition.
Ben Buckley and FFA board member Phil Wolanski met with a group of former Socceroos to discuss a range of issues, including the possibility of bringing in a knock-out competition. The competition would pit teams from the state leagues against A-League teams.
According to Alex Tobin, one of the Socceroos at the informal forum, there are logistical and geographical problems:
“Any talk about cup competitions in Australia has difficulties, obviously with the travel and a small club in NSW probably can’t resource itself to be able to play a small club in Perth, that’s the reality of it.”.
“So any cup competition may have to come with a notion of a regionalised system.
“Maybe A-League clubs and NSW Premier League and Victorian Premier League clubs can come in at a later stage, something of that nature.
“To give all clubs an opportunity of playing an A-League opponent is a great sort of fairytale story that you would love to see happen.
“It’s not easy, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s something at least we can put on the drawing board and maybe have a think about it and if it’s possible then it would be great to see and I’m sure the general public would get behind it.”
Source: NineMSN.
Loading ...
4 responses so far ↓
1 Astri // Mar 15, 2008 at 9:22 am
Interesting concept. Travel would be very difficult for small State league cups unless the FFA pays for the logistics. I think the FFA will avoid this one for a while and let the league build strength first. I don’t think we are ready for it just yet. I have no doubt though that the Vic and NSW teams would give some A-League teams a run for their money. It will however be a semi-return to old rivalries of the NSL which could be good and bad.
2 Desert Fox // Mar 15, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I can definitely see the sense in questioning resources for clubs to travel interstate but this is where the FFA need to endorse minor competitions in Australia so that the clubs have something bigger to look forward to and therefore make a greater contribution to the developing game and that eventual hope of World Cup Finals glory.
Obviously the domestic dream would be to emulate the English tier system, which will of course take years to perfect but some insight into a possibility of this happening would be fantastic and much deserved especially for those Premier League teams that have contributed greatly to building the sport in Australia.
3 Dean k // Mar 18, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I like the idea but the FFA should worry about the A-League first and foremost and increasing the number of teams and also the quality of lower leagues rather than a pie in the sky FFA Cup.
4 JOHN // Apr 19, 2008 at 11:38 am
This cup competittion should be arranged in order that the smaller clubs play there knock out matches domestically, before versing clubs from other states. theres plenty of ways to do this, i think it is a MUST that this happens within the next 2 years if Australia wants to further increase the popularity of football in this country.
Leave a Comment