Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley denies plans to expand the A-League are in crisis, despite the late withdrawal of one of the consortia seeking to bring a 12th side into the competition.

Buckley insisted the criteria for securing an A-League licence - most notably the financial guarantees required - were non-negotiable, and said that an 11-team competition remained a viable option.

The withdrawal of the Joe Meissner-backed group on Wednesday has left the race effectively down to the Lucas Neill-fronted consortium and the bid from Canberra, though another western Sydney group remains in negotiations.

Asked why the Meissner group had pulled out, Buckley would only say, "You'll have to ask them that". Football Federation Australia was told it was for "personal reasons".

But it is understood Meissner was given a deadline to provide financial guarantees and chose to walk away.

Buckley said the decision had not left the bid process in crisis.

"We've always said we aspire to have 12 teams, but every bidder has to meet the financial criteria and we won't issue a licence unless someone meets those requirements," he said.

"The consortium that withdrew this week was not able to meet those requirements. They knew the hurdles and couldn't clear them."

Buckley declined to comment on which of the remaining bids is favoured, but both are seen within the FFA as strong - though chairman Frank Lowy retains a strong preference to establish a team in western Sydney.

"At this point none of (the consortia) satisfy 100 per cent of the criteria, and I reiterate, we won't issue a licence unless we're completely satisfied about the financial commitment behind each club," Buckley said.

"I make no apologies for setting a high benchmark.

"Everyone has a preference for an even number of teams because it's a more balanced program. But if that's where we end up, the A-League will remain a very strong league and won't suffer."

source: foxsports.com.au



it sounds like to me they are thinking of exploring the 11 team option more and more.. why are they so against Canberra getting a team!

Sounds like no matter how many turn up to the game tonight,we are rooted unless Ivan S and his team can squeeze another $1 million out of prospective investors. It was reported that we are still that amount short of the start up money required.

yeah, its a shame we are struggling with finances we have no real wealthy backer which is worrying

Jeez... unless we get this money and quick, we will not be having an A-League team in Canberra.

^
lol.

yeah the start up money is an issue but as i've said once we get accepted we'll easily acquire the required money.

aleague4canberra wrote:^
lol.

yeah the start up money is an issue but as i've said once we get accepted we'll easily acquire the required money.

Yeah but would the FFA know

^^
no they wouldn't and that's a risk that it doesn't look like the FFA are willing to take.

aleague4canberra wrote:^
lol.

yeah the start up money is an issue but as i've said once we get accepted we'll easily acquire the required money.

That is why it is called start-up money. WE can't continue to build onto the 5 million we have, with the short amount of time we have. AS soon as we get accepted we have to start looking a players, coaches and backroom staff plus sponsors.

Proud2BeCanberran wrote:

aleague4canberra wrote:^
lol.

yeah the start up money is an issue but as i've said once we get accepted we'll easily acquire the required money.

That is why it is called start-up money. WE can't continue to build onto the 5 million we have, with the short amount of time we have. AS soon as we get accepted we have to start looking a players, coaches and backroom staff plus sponsors.

When West Sydney pulled out i thought, great, we've got our team but now with the decreasing time limit and the persistence of the FFA i think they will go with the 11 team option .

Alex351 wrote:

Proud2BeCanberran wrote:

aleague4canberra wrote:^
lol.

yeah the start up money is an issue but as i've said once we get accepted we'll easily acquire the required money.

That is why it is called start-up money. WE can't continue to build onto the 5 million we have, with the short amount of time we have. AS soon as we get accepted we have to start looking a players, coaches and backroom staff plus sponsors.

When West Sydney pulled out i thought, great, we've got our team but now with the decreasing time limit and the persistence of the FFA i think they will go with the 11 team option .

The FFA still want a team in Western Sydney, but they are unable to reach the financial requirements. If we can raise 1 more million, then we will get in- if we don't, then it will be an 11 team comp next year.

Does anyone know when the NEW deadline is for all the bids??

Alex351 wrote:

Proud2BeCanberran wrote:

aleague4canberra wrote:^
lol.

yeah the start up money is an issue but as i've said once we get accepted we'll easily acquire the required money.

That is why it is called start-up money. WE can't continue to build onto the 5 million we have, with the short amount of time we have. AS soon as we get accepted we have to start looking a players, coaches and backroom staff plus sponsors.

When West Sydney pulled out i thought, great, we've got our team but now with the decreasing time limit and the persistence of the FFA i think they will go with the 11 team option .

The forum has really experienced quite mixed emotions haha

Alex351 wrote:Does anyone know when the NEW deadline is for all the bids??

There isn't a set date to my knowledge, more a beginning of next month at the latest

deadline, ATM i think that the deadline is for whenever we get our money sorted out.