Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive David Gallop has said that the A-League marquee fund could increase by the 2017-18 season.
In a report from the Herald Sun by David Davutovic, it was revealed the the $1million pool currently allocated could receive a boost before season 13.
“It’s hard (to increase) for season 12 but we’re certainly going to look at it again for season 13,’’ Gallop said.
Gallop also clarified FFA’s position on Michael Essien’s potential signing with Melbourne Victory.
“Michael Essien is a bit of a watch this space. We’ve obviously come to an arrangement with Victory — if they come to an arrangement with him — that we’re comfortable with.
“There’ll be a small amount (allocated to Melbourne Victory if Essien signs). Or a smaller amount but we’re open to discussions with other clubs.”
Melbourne City are the only side to put the money to use so far with their acquisition of Tim Cahill, while Melbourne Victory’s attempt to bring in Italian attacker Alessandro Diamanti was blocked by FFA as he did not fulfil the guest marquee criteria.
According to the report, while Melbourne City are footing the bill for the majority of Cahill’s $3m+ wage, around $500,000 of that is being subsidised by the fund.
Gallop admitted that signing Cahill was a big reason for making this money available as it would provide a great boost for the league with the season kicking off in just over two weeks.
“The number one on the wish list was Tim but a player like Essien can add to the halo around Tim in a way because it’s another big global player that football fans will be excited about,” he said.
Cahill is set to make his starting debut for Melbourne City tonight in the FFA Cup quarter final against Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park.
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