Soccer: Kingz place safe as the axe falls

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Soccer Australia have surely bought themselves a fight as they struggle to finalise the list of 12 clubs for the 2001/2002 National Soccer League.

The decision to reduce the Qantas-sponsored league from the 16 who kicked off this season to 12 has long been shrouded in controversy. Now, with a list ranking the hopefuls, soccer bosses can expect plenty of flak.

The Football Kingz - ranked 13 on a list of 13 - are safe, but at least one club above them faces the chop.

The Kingz are assured of another three seasons under the initial two plus three option they were granted by Fifa and later endorsed with a five-year licence from Soccer Australia.

"For the Football Kingz it is really a non-issue," Kingz general manager Chris Turner said. "We have met their going concern test, which effectively means you can pay your bills.

"As long as the Sky Television Network own the Kingz, there will be no problem."

But for other clubs, it is.

Carlton fell away this season and are no longer considered.

Incumbents Canberra Cosmos and Eastern Pride have also been ruled out for "failing to meet the going concern test." They do have the right to appeal - an option Canberra, at least, seem set to take up.

But the final composition goes deeper.

versionnte Under the heading of "assessment process," Soccer Australia lists three parts - (a) going concern, (b) rankings on criteria including financial strength, net profit and loss, home gate receipts and other revenues, and (c) regional.

Under the regional criteria, Soccer Australia have stated "no more than eight clubs will be included from the New South Wales and Victorian associations."

But on the list of the 13 clubs there are nine from the two states. All come in above 12th-rated Brisbane Strikers, with Northern Spirit at 11.

If that criteria is followed it seems Brisbane would survive and Northern Spirit would be cut.

But those close to the game feel this is unlikely.

Northern Spirit, now owned by Scottish giants Rangers, are something of a flagship among Australian clubs.

Soccer Australia has also received four applications from new clubs which will be considered only if the 12 for the new season cannot be found among those playing this year.

Turner said that every time the question of reducing the league had been raised, clubs had asked whether it was a hard and fast ruling.

"Soccer Australia are adamant it will be a 12-team league," Turner said. "That has upset not only some already in - but who might be under threat - but clubs wanting a chance."

It is understood second clubs in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane are among those lining up.

The uncertainty of the make-up of the league for next season - appeals will be heard from April 12 to 23 - is forcing clubs to hold off signing players.

"Some of our players have been approached by Australian clubs," Turner said.

"But nothing is really happening yet.

"We have yet to speak to our imports Andy Bluhm, Aaron Silva, Dennis Ibrahim and Julio Cuello about next season."