Australia NewsLock Up Your Stars! |
EXCLUSIVE: A-League clubs will meet with Football Federation Australia tomorrow to set in stone the regulations for an October recruitment frenzy.
It is expected that October 1 will be confirmed as the date from which clubs can begin to speak to players who are out of contract at the end of the current campaign.Most players now have deals which run until March 31 but there are thought to be a few exceptions (deals expiring in June) which would prevent an October approach.
Wellington Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com today: “We’re due to meet up on this issue tomorrow and talk about the situation.
“Clubs are required to inform other clubs in writing that they have approached a particular player and I think it’s something that will be adhered to.”
Once tomorrow's briefing is concluded, then October is likely to witness an explosion of activity as clubs look to build their squads for next season.
A-League clubs have always been prevented from approaching players who still have more than six months left on their existing contracts but that hasn’t stopped whispers and claims of ‘tapping up’ from time to time.
Proving it is an altogether tougher task and no-one has been officially charged with such an offence.
Once all the clubs are clear on the situation, it promises to be a hectic October with some of the A-League’s biggest names up for grabs.
Johnny Warren medal-winner Joel Griffiths is out of contract at the end of the season and the same is true of Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson.
However, it is the arrival of Gold Coast United which should create the most interest as they undoubtedly possess the biggest cheque book.
Miron Bleiberg has no shortage of targets on his shopping list, albeit players will have to fit under the strict salary cap – with the exception of a marquee player.
It is believed the October 1 approach will also meet with the approval of the Australian PFA with expansion creating new job opportunities and challenges for its members.
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