I acknowledge this may a moot point, but I reckon our financial competence will see us survive a couple of rounds of A league expansion in 2020 and 2022, after which ProRel will not be far away - 2024?
ProRel will provide plenty of incentive to invest, but the reality is that the clubs and FFA need to sort out their 'control of the game/revenue' shark fight before anything much can change. I believe that somehow it will happen; independent league or, more likely, some sort of compromise.
At that point, we need better quality football management at the club (where is the next Tony Pignata?). However imagine the difference a savvy, experienced football administrator would bring to the party right now. If only long term tenure could be secured.
Feeling glass half full this morning.
I'd be surprised if we see pro and relegation within the next 20 years. It's not Australian, they can't afford it, and they'd most likely have to renegotiate every license.
On other side of coin:
I think we'll see it by the the time current young Nix players are in their football prime.
ProRel is football.
There is more to football in Australia than the A league clubs.
With a closed shop league run by FFA, finances are completely distorted.
Can we just clear up one common misconception though: the 20 years licences expressly allow for the introduction of ProRel, "the licenses granted to A-League clubs expressly provide that the licencee club's continued participation in the A-League is subject to any promotion and relegation system implemented by FFA"
If a club chooses not to participate in a league given notice of ProRel, that speaks volumes about the club. Plenty ready to step in.
