Australia NewsA-League Snub For Roberto Carlos |
EXCLUSIVE: Brazilian star and current Fenerbahce player Roberto Carlos appears set to miss out on an A-League stint with money being the sticking point, says his Australian representative.
Carlos, 36, whose contract with the Turkish powerhouse finishes next month, has employed a local agent to help secure a guest stint in the A-League.
But with crowds down and only two A-League clubs (Central Coast and Melbourne) said to be turning a profit, times are tough for most clubs.
It's one of the reasons the Brazilian World Cup winner, as well as former Arsenal star Sylvain Wiltord (who was offered to Sydney FC) and Savo Milosevic, have also not been able to secure guest spots in the A-League, says John Denison of Entourage management.
The player's frustrated Australian representatives are urging FFA to help cash-strapped clubs fund crowd-drawing superstars like the Brazilian.
"There is no use having a special guest player spot available if the clubs are unable to use it," he said.
"The solution is for FFA as the peak body responsible for part financing of the A League consider part underwriting all special guest players for each of the clubs during any one season.
"This way the FFA has control over the calibre of the talent coming into the competition with maybe a draft distribution of these players before a season commences being considered."
When the A-League was launched, there was talk of a potential FFA fighting fund to help bring back Socceroos.
Now Denison says it's time to inject some razzle-dazzle players into the league by getting the FFA to help clubs fund such moves.
"If this is not possible, at least offer each club a budget of say $300,000 per season in total to secure the desired player who must have a minimum CV of an established international and having played in one of the 10 major European leagues," he said.
"These measures will allow the clubs to be more proactive in seeking the players needed to boost gates and in many cases their level of performance."
While it's obviously in the interest of an agent to have his client signed, this season the A-League has seen the impact genuine world stars have had on the A-League.
Robbie Fowler at North Queensland Fury has been an unqualified success, drawing crowds in other cities and improving standards on the pitch.
And with Carlos still playing at the highest levels, there is no reason to suggest such a move, albeit a guest stint, could not also boost crowds and standards for our teams and players.
Carlos started his career at Palmeiras, before moving to Inter and then to Real Madrid. With Brazil, he won the 2002 World Cup and he was a losing finalist at the 1998 World Cup in France.
It's also been reported Argentine club San Lorenzo are looking at the possibility of signing the former Brazilian international in January.
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