Congratulations to the Central Coast Mariners on making it through to this year’s A League Grand Final against the Brisbane Roar. Let’s hope that it is a battle like the second leg of their major semi final, after all football fans in Australia need something to cheer about.
Brisbane Roar look to be in financial trouble and are going to have to be bailed out by the FFA, and they are the league Champions this year, what is more qualification into the Asian Champions league could spell disaster financially for the Central Coast Mariners.
Graham Arnold has worked wonders on a shoestring budget and with no star signings, but his and the team’s success could well spell disaster for the Mariners, as it is believed that the cost of competing in the Asian Champions League is beyond their financial capabilities.
This highlights that there is something drastically wrong with the structure of the Hyundai A League and the FFA need to address this immediately. The Fury have already been buried and unless drastic change is initiated during the long close season the Hyundai A league is simply going to be a modern version of the NSL with clubs coming and going every few years.
It is obvious that due diligence needs to be done on the league and goals need to be reassessed. We have been trying to run before we can walk, two places in the Asian Champions league may look appealing, but maybe one should be relinquished until our domestic league is on a stronger footing.
