If the A Leagues website is to be believed, ALL the clubs were happy to have the Clause removed, with certain 'guardrails'. Presumably those guardrails were to avoid a Paulsen like situation. But the push to remove the Clause came from certain clubs, the APL consulted with the all clubs, then made the application with the FA to remove the Clause. We all await the FA's decision.
Auckland will yes be majorly embarrassed if FA stop this deal from happening. Though they suddenly have some major publicity 2 months before the season kicks off, and regardless of the FA's decision the 1st derby now has real spice. If they wanted to create some major feeling between the 2 clubs, job done.
Following a consultation process with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), A-Leagues clubs have supported a move to review the ‘Caceres Clause’ ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The APL was approached by a number of clubs in May about the possibility of reviewing the ‘Caceres Clause’ due to the increased transfer market opportunity for clubs and the change in broader club ownership structures in place across the league since the inception of the player contracting rule in 2016.
The review process sought feedback from all clubs about the rule change and what, if any guardrails would be required, and took into consideration the league and Clubs’ emphasis on youth development, improving overseas talent pathways and increasing opportunities for international player transfer and loan fees.
A player contracting rule change was supported by all clubs, with the premise that the APL reviews and maintains certain guardrails.