14 Feb Gallop: Ratings not telling the true A-League story

FFA CEO David Gallop hasn’t masked the massive issues facing the A-League, as Australia’s premier domestic soccer competition continues its almighty slump.

The A-League has suffered through low television ratings and minimal crowds this season, as it has gotten lost amid the congested Australian sporting market.

While admitting that aspect is a barrier the league faces, Gallop has made no apologises for the struggles the A-League has created for itself, saying nobody is pleased with the direction the competition is heading.

“No one could be happy with the pure output in terms of numbers around attendances and ratings,” he told SEN’s Whateley.

“Those never tell the full story. The quality of the football has been high, Sydney FC have played beautiful football and look almost unstoppable.

“It is just another reminder of the competition in the Australian market.

“We were hard up against it straight away, because the Socceroos were still in a qualification phase, and that took away attention in October and November.

“There was a Rugby League World Cup, there was an Ashes series, the BBL and the Australian Open.

“Australian sport is so busy, so that has had an impact. Football needs to actually think about how it is marketed, both at club level and our level, as we go into the next season.”

Originally published by Luke Sicari on SEN.com.au