Soccer: New league no place to make a fast buck

By TERRY MADDAFORD

There will be no quick buck for teams in the new-look Australian National Soccer League.

The competition, due to kick off next August and pitched as an eight-team league, attracted 20 submissions of interest, including one from the Auckland-based Football Kingz. However, it seems enthusiasm might quickly wane.

It appears that prospective clubs have been warned not to expect to see any profit in the first five years. For their part, Australian Soccer Association bosses are giving little away as prospective candidates consider their options.

Asked to answer a number of questions, the ASA gave only a vague indication of the criteria for inclusion in the league. They have muzzled all prospective franchises by insisting they sign a confidentiality agreement and pay an initial fee to get the bulky criteria document.

In reply to questions from the Herald, ASA spokesman Stuart Hodge confirmed, "Yes, there is a fee to enter the league but I can't divulge the amount."

On the question of likely sponsors, Hodge said: " ... like most competitions there will be some protected sponsors".

That is certain to cause concerns as clubs seek much-needed sponsorship. They will, as an example, be unable to seek support from a telecommunications company if one is already contracted by the ASA.

On one front the Football Kingz will not be disadvantaged, as the ASA has confirmed that travel costs will be equalised. However, the Kingz will face much greater accommodation costs than their Australian rivals.

This week's signing of a "memorandum of understanding" between the Football Kingz and New Zealand Soccer has opened the way for greater support between the national body and the franchise.

While both parties are being careful not to breach the confidentiality demanded by ASA, NZS chief executive Bill MacGowan admitted it would beneficial to all parties if they could go public.

"It is absolutely critical the Football Kingz are in this league," said MacGowan. "Our involvement with the Kingz is a key part of our football development. It is our intention to give whatever assistance we can.

"The financial implications are obviously huge. It has been reported that Soccer NSW are struggling to meet ASA demands," said MacGowan.

"If that is the case, it is obviously going to be hard for a city the size of Auckland to meet the criteria."