Australian Championship Thread

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It must be FIFA's Christmas time###

The idea to include an Aussie team(s) in this comp has likely come from talks between Australia and the OFC. Not FIFA driven.

https://www.cessnockadvertiser.com.au/story/8814712/oceania-looks-to-australia-for-new-pacific-league/

Australian soccer clubs - either established or new - could be involved in a new Pacific competition after an invite was extended by the Oceania Football Confederation.

The region's football body is seeking expressions of interest in a new "OFC Professional League" to kick off in 2026.

The project is backed by FIFA supremo Gianni Infantino, given Oceania (OFC) has just two professional football sides: Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, who play in the Australian A-Leagues.

The new league is yet to have any confirmed teams or format, with a start date pushed back first by the pandemic, and then again as the scale of the task becomes clear.

Football associations or clubs in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Zealand are all on record as being interested in the league, which would be heavily subsidised by FIFA.

It remains to be seen if the Australian government could also subsidise an Australian club in the league.

The Australian government also markedly increased its "sports diplomacy" in the region, funding tours by national Australian soccer teams and, notably, an NRL side slated for Port Moresby.

I wonder, if NZ National League clubs are involved - would they then be ineligible for the National League as they would likely have to become a professional club being in this competition...same goes for the players...

Just a thought

Pragnell and his girl guides would never allow NL clubs to become professional. The support shown to AFC these last 3 weeks shows up NZF for the amateurs they are and were in terms of running the local game. No leadership. No inspiration. Across the ditch the Aussies have been getting on with developing the game while imo here in NZ NZF have failed a generation. Thank God for the Nix for without them we would truly be a backwater. With NZF - and FIFA's - blessing. Amen.

This seems like an expensive lolly scramble with pushing from people who aren’t football people. 

Surely it’d be better for island football to fund a couple of pro-teams in an expanded A league competition with the two tiers? 

As it is I see it being incredibly expensive, never self funding and the funding being pulled before the whole thing is properly off the ground. As well as being incredibly vulnerable to gambling and other external threats.

I'm a bit skeptical too, especially about FIFA funding it. It's not exactly a secret that FIFA are greedy and aren't the most generous organization. I can't see them bankrolling a professional league long-term, and what happens when they stop? Again if they can figure something out I'll accept it with open arms but nothing that's out so far inspires me with confidence yet

On a bit of a sidenote, assuming this goes through and OFC get a whole league of pro clubs, could that leave the door open for us and Auckland joining the OFC champions league?

We wouldn't be at this massive advantage anymore since the comp would have a bunch of other pro clubs as well.

Also I just think that the idea of AFC NZ clubs vs OFC NZ clubs would be pretty fun.

Noah4thenix

On a bit of a sidenote, assuming this goes through and OFC get a whole league of pro clubs, could that leave the door open for us and Auckland joining the OFC champions league?

We wouldn't be at this massive advantage anymore since the comp would have a bunch of other pro clubs as well.

Also I just think that the idea of AFC NZ clubs vs OFC NZ clubs would be pretty fun.

That kinda assumes that AFC and WPX get the chance to compete in this OFC league. Sure they are NZ (OFC) based teams but the are registed in an Aussie league.

One point that needs to be considered is that one of the main reasons that FIFA gave approval for the Phoenix (an Oceania team) to play in the A League (an Asian league) is that the Phoenix had no professional league to play in.
If this OFC Pro League eventuates(very doubtful imo) then the issue of the Phoenix and Auckland playing in another confederations competition may get reviewed ?
Obviously with Aussie clubs maybe going the other way then FIFA may turn a blind eye.
In any view the issue of Phoenix and AFC eligibility for the Oceania Champions League needs to be reviewed.They must be the only two teams in the world that in theory are not eligible for a Continental competition and therefore the Club world Cup. I can imagine Auckland City having apoplexy at the thought.

Australia, NZ and the Pacific is very different to the rest of the footballing world. 
There's not much money floating about and different egg ball games generally rule the roost.

Why not make A League the pinnacle of football in our region and make the Oceania pro comp the second tier open to SMFC, ACFC, Hekari United, BA, Wollongong, AS Pirae etc. I'd also be open to defunct NZ National league teams such as Canterbury United.

If the above doesn't happen, I'd be happy with AFC and Nix ressies playing in that and having them pulled from the NZ national league. It should be a better standard then what the national league currently is.

What does any Australian side get from joining an OFC pro league that they don’t get from A-League, A-League2 or National second tier that they keep talking about on Aus?

I don’t see the trips to Tahiti and Fiji being cheaper or more convenient than a short flight to the next state, or bus trip across town.

Are they expecting the money to be so much better?
Where’s that coming from do they think?

Possibly FIFA, if you read up through this thread.

Yes not sure likes of Sth Melbourne would really be that interested. But if it means they can yes go fully professional, and not have to find a $20M+ licence fee like the ALM - they could consider it.

But yeah I see the more interested NPL clubs (or possible standup franchise locations), being in areas with closer ties to the Pacific like QLD and Darwin.

Maybe the Aussie connection is to make it like an extended Unite round? Or something similar to the 2nd Division proposal? Fly all the teams in to an Aussie city for 3-4 weeks and then fly them home?? 

ClubOranje

What does any Australian side get from joining an OFC pro league that they don’t get from A-League, A-League2 or National second tier that they keep talking about on Aus?

I don’t see the trips to Tahiti and Fiji being cheaper or more convenient than a short flight to the next state, or bus trip across town.

Are they expecting the money to be so much better?
Where’s that coming from do they think?

The offer on the table from Football Australia is a bit 💩

Kinda wish I never heard of this OFC pro league because I desperately want to learn more but there's barely any information on it

Noah4thenix

Kinda wish I never heard of this OFC pro league because I desperately want to learn more but there's barely any information on it

I've noticed it gets brought up on OFC TV in every game they show (men's, women's, youth). There's certainly been a lot of talk although as you say, very little that's actually concrete.

A year or so ago, someone was appointed by the OFC as a competition manager or some such title. So presumably they have been quietly beavering away.

You'd imagine the costing model, and who is going to pay has taken up a huge amount of time. Trying to hunt out any potential commercial backers. It's also a cross country model, dealing with what 7-8 different FAs. 
Fiji, PNG, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Solomons, Vanuatu, NZ & now even Australia.

That's alot of different parties all at different financial levels, different languages, some with pretty easy travel options, others like Vanuatu it seems with limited flights. Then ongoing unrest in NC, often one of the stronger football nations in the region.

It won't be an easy comp to setup at all.

Article itself full of errors, but near the end some more info on why an Australian club maybe invited into the new proposed OFC club Professional League.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/534413/the-oceania-soccer-tussle-and-what-a-new-pro-league-could-mean

Then there is the new OFC Professional League, which is due to kick off in 2026.

Yusuf (Fiji FA CEO) supports that initiative and he has indicated they might request for two Fiji-based teams.

That league is now being discussed more urgently by the island associations, now with news Football Australia is also interested in participating.

OFC believes that the inclusion of an Australian-based club will bring significant benefits, including increased visibility and market reach, enhanced competitive standards, stronger economic and cultural links, and new development pathways for Pacific players.

"An Australian team would also help strengthen regional ties, inspire new partnership opportunities, and contribute to the growth of football across Oceania," OFC said.

It will be interesting to see what countries will be able to afford teams in the new league.

Will the smaller island nations afford such a club and league participation?

How will the teams be made up? Will they feature professional players in the different club set-ups?

But on the hindsight, there might be some hope there, that participating in the Professional League would help lift the standards and game experience for island players.

A great example is the establishment of the Fijian Drua and what that has done to Fiji rugby.

Also came across this story, about the idea to have a French Pacfic rugby league team (based in New Caledonia), play in the Queensland Cup. A semi pro rugby league comp that's basically 2nd tier feeder, to the NRL.

There already being a PNG team that plays in the same comp.

As before I can see any possible Aussie team(s) in the OFC club professional league, being based somewhere like SE QLD pocket, Townsville, Cairns or Darwin. It's definitely QLD & the NT that have the closest relationships to the Pacific countries. And OFC holding an interested parties for NPL clubs pointedly in Brissy.

https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/pacifique-treize/103418468

Are there any updates on the expressions of interest from Aus clubs to join the Oceania Pro League?

So yes a largely watered down, cheaper version of the initial plan.
Bit similar to the NZ National League phase being scheduled October to December.

Doesn't overly look like a pathway into the A League, for the likes of South Melbourne. I guess we wait and see how the big the crowds are, commercial sponsorship etc.

Might see a few more NZ footballers head over the ditch if this means they can almost go full time professional with the bigger NPL clubs. But then you have the new OFC Professional League also starting early 2026 (pre season later this year) which could need 20-40 Kiwis (1-2 teams).

https://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news/football-australia-unveils-australian-championship

Scheduled to kick off in October 2025, the Australian Championship will feature 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, blending eight Foundation Clubs with eight Member Federation Invitational Clubs selected from the National Premier Leagues (NPL). This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, redefining Australian football’s domestic football ecosystem and creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to shine.

The competition format will include a group stage – four groups of four teams playing home and away matches – with the top 2 in each group crossing over to a high-stakes elimination Finals Series, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in early December 2025.

The eight clubs confirmed as Australian Championship Foundation Clubs include APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW).

These clubs represent the heart of Australian football with rich histories, fierce rivalries, and strong community ties. They will be joined by eight Member Federation NPL Clubs, drawn from their respective NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football.

Any implications for the Australian Cup?

martinb

Any implications for the Australian Cup?

Doesn't seem so.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson hailed the Australian Championship as a bold leap forward for the sport: “The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition.

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential.” 

Probably bring a bit more spice, with the clubs coming at the A league annointed and ready to go…

Diminishes the pool of players you can potentially transfer in for the National League portion of our National League.

martinb

Probably bring a bit more spice, with the clubs coming at the A league annointed and ready to go…

Clubs like Macarthur and Western United especially will feel like their licences are at risk. I can imagine quite a few clubs will be getting better attendances than them which will only look worse when the comps run in tandem for a bit. 

APL might have to genuinely start reconsidering their spots in the league if they don't step up community engagement

Realistically that ain't going to happen. I imagine both of MAC and Western U would have a strong legal case for asking for their $20M odd franchise entry fee back, if they were turfed out. 

Cash I imagine the APL doesn't currently have lying around.

Probably right, but my point still stands. Whole point of WU and MAC was to be community clubs specifically targeting rapidly growing suburbs.

If the Championship can show off multiple bigger community clubs it won't exactly be good pr for WU and MAC

WU I think can grow once their new stadium is finished (it's started I think??). 
That Western corridor of Melbs a fast growing popn area.

MAC more pessimistic on, yes.

I don't quite understand the point of this competition.

"...a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection."

Doesn't the Australia cup already do this? What's in it for the winner? Because if it's not promotion to the ALM then it seems like a pointless exercise. Or have I missed something?

Noah4thenix

martinb

Probably bring a bit more spice, with the clubs coming at the A league annointed and ready to go…

Clubs like Macarthur and Western United especially will feel like their licences are at risk. I can imagine quite a few clubs will be getting better attendances than them which will only look worse when the comps run in tandem for a bit. 

APL might have to genuinely start reconsidering their spots in the league if they don't step up community engagement

I think a selling point there is the population growth anticipated there in the next 5-10 years. But if no one there cares now, you’d wonder why anyone new would care either…
Which is a pity as both sets of owners are pouring the cash in. 

If the APL smell cash they’ll surely be allowing new clubs in!

That J league model growth, promotion etc missing from the document?
Hmmm
This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, redefining Australian football’s domestic football ecosystem and creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to shine.

InsulinMachine

I don't quite understand the point of this competition.

"...a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection."

Doesn't the Australia cup already do this? What's in it for the winner? Because if it's not promotion to the ALM then it seems like a pointless exercise. Or have I missed something?

Looks just like the lower US leagues to me. They likewise have no pro/rel.

pro/rel might not be realistic right now, but if it gives teams a chance to prove themselves then maybe eventually some of these clubs could be admitted to the A-League rather than promoted to it?

A few years ago the APL mooted eventually having 20 ALM teams split into a 10 team A1 & 10 team A2 (bit similar how the J Leagues in Japan came to be). With yeah pro/rel between the 2 tiers.

We are currently at 13 teams. Canberra makes 14. 

Christchurch and maybe Tasmania could be 15 & 16. Then yeah you need say 4 teams from the NPL leagues ie the better performers, especially crowds and money wise, from this new 2nd tier setup.

It won't happen quickly but it could happen. Though for every successful recent entrant like Auckland you have Macarther and Western U struggling along (crowd wise anyway).

coochiee

A few years ago the APL mooted eventually having 20 ALM teams split into a 10 team A1 & 10 team A2 (bit similar how the J Leagues in Japan came to be). With yeah pro/rel between the 2 tiers.

We are currently at 13 teams. Canberra makes 14. 

Christchurch and maybe Tasmania could be 15 & 16. Then yeah you need say 4 teams from the NPL leagues ie the better performers, especially crowds and money wise, from this new 2nd tier setup.

It won't happen quickly but it could happen. Though for every successful recent entrant like Auckland you have Macarther and Western U struggling along (crowd wise anyway).

Two 10-team leagues just sounds boring imo. IDK what it was like when the A-league had 10 teams but I feel like we should focus on having a longer season (by having more teams in one league) rather than pro/rel with 10-teams a side

Noah4thenix

coochiee

A few years ago the APL mooted eventually having 20 ALM teams split into a 10 team A1 & 10 team A2 (bit similar how the J Leagues in Japan came to be). With yeah pro/rel between the 2 tiers.

We are currently at 13 teams. Canberra makes 14. 

Christchurch and maybe Tasmania could be 15 & 16. Then yeah you need say 4 teams from the NPL leagues ie the better performers, especially crowds and money wise, from this new 2nd tier setup.

It won't happen quickly but it could happen. Though for every successful recent entrant like Auckland you have Macarther and Western U struggling along (crowd wise anyway).

Two 10-team leagues just sounds boring imo. IDK what it was like when the A-league had 10 teams but I feel like we should focus on having a longer season (by having more teams in one league) rather than pro/rel with 10-teams a side

Aleague with 10 teams was odd much like it is with 13. We played some teams 3 times and some twice. All to get a season with more than 18 games per team. Ideally, the Aleague wants to target a season length of 26+ games per team. Which means you need 14+ teams in the league. Assuming Canberra arrive in 2027 the league achieves that.