13 Dec A-League expansion clubs announced

Football Federation Australia has announced the two new clubs to expand the A-League.

The FFA has come to a decision that Western Melbourne Group and Macarthur South West Sydney have been granted licenses to enter the A-League in the next two seasons.

Western Melbourne will enter in the 2019/20 season while Macarthur South West Sydney will be added in 2020/21.

“It’s really a great news day for Australian football and for the A-League,” FFA CEO David Gallop said at today’s press conference.

“I think it’s a great step that the Board fully accepted the recommendation. It’s a strong, responsible decision.

“It’s a decision that has been arrived at taking into account the views of our stakeholders, including our clubs, our players, our broadcasters and commercial partners.

“This is going to set the A-League up for long term sustainability in these new locations but importantly as well, the decision have taken us to a point where we can ensure that the new clubs are in high quality facilities for day one.

“Obviously, with West Melbourne there is an opportunity to do something quite unique and something that we’ve seen successful in football globally, which is to have a purpose-built football stadium.

“For Macarthur, obviously a huge population corridor. An area that has nearly 50 local and NPL football clubs.

“All in all, delighted that we have reached this point. The staggered approach is important. We want to make suer we are giving these clubs the best possible opportunity to have success on day one.”

FFA Chairman Chris Nikou added: “We have seen unprecedented interest from bids to be part of the Hyundai A-League and we are excited about our two new expansion clubs in Sydney and Melbourne.

“An expanded Hyundai A-League will connect new communities in our two biggest markets, create new rivalries, bigger television audiences, more derbies and importantly, further opportunities for Australian footballers to play at the highest level in this country.

“One of the key factors in our decision was the long-term growth opportunity for each club in each new geography. South-West Sydney and Melbourne represent some of the biggest growth corridors in Australia.”

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