Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat says Football Federation Australia (FFA)’s decision to block the club’s move for Italian star Alessandro Diamanti is “disappointing”.
News broke that Victory had made a play for the former Fiorentina, West Ham United and Watford man on Friday under FFA’s new guest marquee rule.
However, FFA blocked the move, adjudicating the player’s standing did not meet its criteria for guest marquee status.
FFA feels Diamanti doesn't meet their 'guest' criteria, which is 'he needs to turn the dial'.
— David Davutovic (@davutovic) August 20, 2016
The move drew criticism in the A-League community, and Muscat agreed the governing body’s decision was underwhelming.
“We made enquiries, we were willing to progress conversations and we got to that stage with the player. Unfortunately, from our perspective, FFA, and it’s their prerogative to so, have said that he didn’t qualify for a certain criteria,” Muscat said.
“Ultimately, discussions ceased, but from my personal opinion, it was disappointing, very disappointing because he’s obviously a very, very talented footballer, and his next club will be in a major league.
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“It tells you that he’s still at his peak in terms of his football ability, but I do understand it (the block).
“That’s not the be-all and end-all to qualify for the criteria.
Muscat did not rule out making another play for a guest star, declaring his interest in attacking talent.
“I’m in the business of signing good footballers. If another good footballer is presented to me, I’ll explore every avenue,” he added.
“Yes (I’m interested in attacking players). What it does signal is I’m interested in good footballers.
“In the back of your mind you do recognise where you need some assistance or help or more competition.
“But a player of that calibre (Diamanti), when he comes along, you’d be foolish to not adjust the way you want to play to fit these players and personalities into your best team.”
Melbourne Victory will continue their FFA Cup title defence against Hume City at ABD Stadium on Wednesday night, with new signing James Troisi expected to play after receiving international transfer clearance.
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