A-Leagues & Football Australia General Chat and News Thread

[HulkSmash]

With Skoko questioning the idealism of players on the one hand, he also bemoaned football’s place in Australia as a high participation but poorly funded code.

So where does he want the money to come from? Parents whinge over how much it costs for them to pay, even with a bulls*** Active Kids voucher. Do you think they're going to pay more? (and yes the Active Kids vouchers are bulls***. Put that into public education OR give it to adults so we can play organised sport too).

Does he think the states and federal governments should chip in more? Maybe he should've talked to Senator McKenzie and Scotty From Marketing when they were handing out illegitimate grants like free lollies at the mall.

I hate to say it, but we're right back where we're started with football in Australia - poorly run and full with idiots.

 

[acm21]

Aussie rookies don’t love football enough, warns Skoko | The World Game

As the limitations of Australia’s next generation were laid bare by the 2-0 lesson handed to the Olyroos by Korea Republic at the AFC U-23 Championship, Skoko warned that qualification for future AFC Asian Cups and FIFA World Cups will be anything but foregone conclusions.
Part of a celebrated Australian alumni including Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella, Skoko isn’t sure where successors of a similar calibre are going to come from.
A lack of A-League minutes, or a similar paucity of game time at their overseas clubs, has stunted the growth of next gen Socceroos hopefuls, whilst rival nations across Asia continue to invest and deliver opportunities to their new breed.
But he believes there’s another culprit in Australia’s failure to produce technically adroit, free-thinking footballers - a disconnect in their love for the game.
“When we were developing (back in the era of the NSL) there was this passion for the game we had, in terms of our upbringing,” said the 51-cap Socceroo.
“That was huge, we loved the game so much and would go out and train on our own after regular sessions. That’s how much it meant to us.
“Today, everything is about ‘ah we’re not training enough’. Well, go out and train by yourself.
“If you want to make it you have to do whatever it takes, no matter what.
“Now everybody is worried solely about ‘making it’ - rather than just going out there for the love it and learning skills that way.”
A one-time Premier League star at Wigan Athletic, with successful spells in Belgium, Turkey and Croatia, Skoko is back at his roots in Victoria heading up football operations at NPL club North Geelong Warriors, where former Ajax and AZ keeper Joey Didulica is on the coaching staff.
And what he’s witnessed among the next batch of hopefuls has been instructive.
With Skoko questioning the idealism of players on the one hand, he also bemoaned football’s place in Australia as a high participation but poorly funded code.
“Other countries (in Asia and elsewhere) are investing so much more than us, they have larger populations and are footballing countries, which we are not,”’added Skoko.
“So qualifying for big tournaments is going to get harder and harder. It’s going to be an achievement in itself because that’s where we’re at right now.
“We are not a footballing country. We’ve tried to act like one but we’re not. The finances aren’t there and the budgets aren’t there.
"At least, even in the less wealthy European countries, football is number one and gets the backing, so they can artificially recreate what has happened in the past (in terms of success).
“We can’t do that and just keep falling further behind.”
Watching youngsters drop into a black hole of inactivity in the crucial age group between 15 and 19 distresses Skoko, with a smattering of NYL matches and cameos of the bench at A-League level a potential career killer.
“It’s one of the biggest issues - they don’t have enough games,” he added.
“They’re not juniors, they’re not seniors ... they don’t have a league where they’re getting good exposure.
"At the same age we were getting 30 or 40 games a season (mainly in the NSL). So how do you expect them to develop?”
The closure three years ago of the Australian Institute of Sport, the Canberra-based finishing school which counted Skoko, Brett Emerton, Viduka and Grella among its graduates, was a significant loss, according to Skoko.
“About 50 percent of our group of players came through that system,” he said. “The knowledge we gained from that was huge. It was a big part of the picture.”
Asked if Australia might ever again be blessed with a golden generation mark II, Skoko replied wistfully: “It’s going to be difficult because everything came together for us as a group of players.
“The right conditions were there for it to happen, whether by design or not.
“It can't happen in the same way again. But if we are a bit more efficient about things, and funding is there and we do things a bit differently, then you give yourselves a chance.
“There’s no magic wand that will fix things. All you can do is as much as you can and hopefully things go in the right direction.”

Aussie rookies don’t love football enough, warns Skoko

Golden Generation midfielder Josip Skoko fears for the future of Australia’s national teams, insisting lack of passion from emerging youngsters allied to funding shortfalls and scant opportunities at club level are a toxic mix.

theworldgame.sbs.com.au

Skoko is on the money but it's nothing we don't already know. How about some soultions on how to fix the problem?

Very true stuff and as you said very known (really seems like he just wants to get in the news about it)

But in saying that when it costs a couple of hundred for a standard team (and heaps more if you are entering the rep/npl stages) you cant really argue why people would be wanting to play another sport (which is easier to start and continue to play). In relation to the comparing of generation there really needs to be a realisation that we cant really compare what was to what it is. We should be really proud and impressed that we made it this far in a very competitive national format (and its getting harder). If the olympics were being help in Japan (or any other afc nation) we would have already made the olympics by getting to the semis (and at this stage, with all my fingers crossed, we can still get to the Olympics). We do need to work out a good way to create a good structure/pipe line, but that is a long task that needs all the federations and teams (npl, juniors & Aleague), but im not sure you can say that they dont care enough, in all reality i think it is just harder.


Sent from my iPad using BigFooty.com

 

[craigos]

Dual Socceroos/Olyroos Head Coach Graham Arnold has issued a stark warning to Australian football: it needs to give young players somewhere to play or risk losing them forever.


This from the guy who said the A League shouldn't be a development league.

 

[giggler99]

This is great! Well done to the FFA for pulling this off! Some big names coming down for a good corse!

Global superstars confirmed for Football For Fires exhibition match in Sydney
Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that some of the greatest international footballers of the past decade have agreed to play in a blockbuster bushfire relief match at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, to raise funds and honour thousands of brave volunteer firefighters and State Emergency Service personnel.

Star players from 16 nations, including some of the biggest names in Australian football, will line up in the #FootballForFires match on Saturday, 23 May to say “thank you” to the men and women who have participated in the daily fight at the frontline of the Australian bushfires crisis.

The first release of football greats confirmed for #FootballForFires is a who’s-who of the world game and includes Didier Drogba, Dwight Yorke, Claudio Marchisio, Dario Simic, John Aloisi, Dwayne De Rosario, Ji-Sung Park, Simon Colosimo, David Trezeguet, Alecko Eskandarian, Mark Bosnich, Con Boutsianis, Pedro Mendes, Le Cong Vinh, Emile Heskey, Michael Bridges and Geremi. It is also a chance for Australian fans to celebrate and say goodbye to retired Socceroos captain Mark Milligan.

FFA Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said he was delighted that football had come together for this very special occasion.

“The thoughts of the entire football family have been with the victims of these terrible bushfires over the past few weeks,” Johnson said.

Former Sydney FC and Manchester United star Dwight Yorke will return Down Under for the charity match
“We now we have this important opportunity to harness the power of our global sport to raise funds to assist in the re-build of our local devastated communities, and honour the brave men and women who have put their own lives at risk during this unprecedented natural disaster.

“I’d like to thank the NSW government, Football NSW and Northern NSW Football for their support of this event, and Lou Sticca and Tribal Sports Group for their work in pulling together such a great list of players.

“I urge all football fans to join us on 23 May at ANZ Stadium for what promises to be a unique and memorable event,” he added.

Venues NSW, the government agency that owns ANZ Stadium on behalf of the NSW Government, is providing the venue free of charge for the #FootballForFires match.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro MP said the money from ticket sales and donations will help rebuild bushfire affected football clubs.

“Football stars from across the globe are lining up to be part of this fantastic match to raise funds to help restore football facilities damaged by the fires,” said Mr Barilaro.

“Sport has that amazing ability to unite our regional communities in times of need and to get superstars past and present wanting to be part of this match is incredible.

“Our regional communities have been outstanding in these emergency situations over the past few months and we need to be as bold in our recovery effort as they have been in the face of disaster.”

Didier Drogba headlines some world football superstars to play in the match in Sydney
Two teams of legendary footballers will be selected to play for the Firefighters All Stars versus SES All Stars competing for the Football For Fires Cup, with game-day kits for each team being developed by Kappa.

Lou Sticca, Managing Director of Tribal Sports Group, said more international and Australian players will be added to this list in coming days.

“The #FootballForFires match is harnessing the world game and its star players to draw attention to the Australian bushfire crisis and the crucial rebuilding of communities that will be required long after the fires have eventually burnt out.

“Volunteers will receive an allocation of tickets to the game and the Firefighters and SES members will fill the supporter areas at both ends of the ground and, along with thousands of football fans, will create a fantastic atmosphere at ANZ Stadium.

“As Australia says thank you, all service members and volunteers in attendance will also undertake a pre-match lap of honour. It will be a ticker-tape parade for our heroes on the frontline.”

While Sydney will host the match, the event will honour and recognise all fire-fighting agencies and State Emergency Services personnel who have been involved in the bushfire crisis Australia-wide.

All proceeds from the match will go toward the restoration and improvement of local football clubs and facilities in fire-affected areas nationwide. Football supporters around the world will also be able to donate to the relief, recovery and rebuild efforts in our communities through the Australian Red Cross, and local donations can be made to the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW SES Volunteers Association.

Tickets will go on sale to the Football Family from 12 noon Thursday, 30 January and to the General Public from 12 noon, Friday 31 January. Adult tickets start from just $29 and family tickets from $59. More than 40,000 seats will be made available at these affordable prices.

French World Cup winner David Trezeguet is a confirmed starter for the match
The first release of players for #FootballForFires at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, on Saturday 23 May 2020 is:

Didier Drogba – IVORY COAST 105 Caps – Chelsea, Galatasaray, Montreal Impact
David Trezeguet – FRANCE 71 Caps – Monaco, Juventus, River Plate
Dwight Yorke – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 74 Caps – Manchester United, Aston Villa, Sydney FC
Claudio Marchisio – ITALY 55 Caps – Juventus
Dario Simic – CROATIA 100 Caps – Inter Milan, AC Milan, Dinamo Zagreb, Monaco
John Aloisi – AUSTRALIA 55 Caps – Coventry City, Cremonese, Osasuna, Sydney FC
Dwayne De Rosario – CANADA 81 Caps – Toronto, San Jose, New York Red Bull
Ji-Sung Park – SOUTH KOREA 100 Caps – Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven
Simon Colosimo – AUSTRALIA 26 Caps – Carlton, Manchester City, Perth Glory, Sydney FC
Tore Andre Flo – NORWAY 76 Caps – Chelsea, Rangers, Sunderland, Leeds United
Alecko Eskandarian – USA 1 Cap – DC United, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Chivas
Mark Bosnich – AUSTRALIA 17 Caps – Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea
Con Boutsianis – AUSTRALIA 4 Caps – South Melbourne, Heidelberg, Perth Glory
Pedro Mendes – PORTUGAL 11 Caps – Porto, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Rangers
Le Cong Vinh – VIETNAM – 83 Caps – Song Lam Nghe An, Consadole Sapporo
Emile Heskey – ENGLAND 62 Caps – Leicester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle Jets
Michael Bridges – ENGLAND – Sunderland, Leeds United, Newcastle Jets
Geremi – CAMEROON 118 Caps – Real Madrid, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United
Stephen Appiah – GHANA 67 Caps – Fenerbahce, Udinese, Juventus, Vojvodina
Rustu Recber – TURKEY 120 Caps – Fenerbahce, Barcelona, Besiktas, Antalyaspor
Mark Milligan – AUSTRALIA 80 Caps – Sydney FC, JEF United Chiba, Melbourne Victory, Hibernian

Global superstars confirmed for Football For Fires exhibition match in Sydney

Football Federation Australia (FFA) today announced that some of the greatest international footba

www.ffa.com.au

 

[JezzasOnTheAsphalt]

Gee Babbel is not holding back on his views about the game in this country. A few of his points I can cop actually, but still seems a bit petty to say it to a German newspaper right after being sacked.
Also can’t see any mention of him saying how disjointed the wanderers looked at times and how better managers seem to be able to implement a winning culture in our league.

 

[nobbyiscool]

I stopped caring about foreigners happy to take money and opportunities from the league before burying after they've been shown the door years ago.

Yes, elements of the league are a shit show. But it's our shit show. "Peak A-League" is something that is dear to us all.

 

[HulkSmash]

Yes, elements of the league are a shit show. But it's our shit show. "Peak A-League" is something that is dear to us all.

Don't you just love peak A-League....we need more leagues with sauce bottles flipping the bird. :

 

[Quivorir]

On that sauce bottle - Anyone here win the opportunity to be the sauce bottle that the a-league memes page ran? (Sidenote: what a fantastic job that page, and the clubs and league did in getting prizes for that bushfire fundraiser they did)

 

[gaskin]

Champions League games aren't going ahead due to the Government's travel restrictions.

A-Leagues - KEEPUP

Find everything you want to know about A-Leagues here on Keep Up. All the latest A-Leagues news, fixtures, results & league ladder.

www.a-league.com.au

 

[acm21]

Champions League games aren't going ahead due to the Government's travel restrictions.

A-Leagues - KEEPUP

Find everything you want to know about A-Leagues here on Keep Up. All the latest A-Leagues news, fixtures, results & league ladder.

www.a-league.com.au

Probably a double header at another venue (Malaysia or something) or try and reschedule to the end of the window. Can’t see them canceling it all together.


Sent from my iPad using BigFooty.com

 

[HulkSmash]

Probably a double header at another venue (Malaysia or something) or try and reschedule to the end of the window. Can’t see them canceling it all together.

Yep - I can see them meeting them halfway on this one.

 

[gaskin]

Honestly, if they were to play in a neutral country, I wonder what the Government would say about it. If they are not letting the Chinese based players into the country for health and safety reasons, then what is to stop them from making our players sit in quarantine for 14 days after coming into contact with them?

 

[giggler99]

Major sponsor Hyundai set to cut ties with FFA
Dominic Bossi

4 minutes

Major sponsor Hyundai set to cut ties with FFA
Story added to your shortlist0
Football Federation Australia is bracing for the prospect of losing its biggest sponsor, with Hyundai prepared to walk away from a 15-year affiliation with Australian soccer when their current deal expires in June.
The Korean car manufacturer's naming rights sponsorship deal is worth $6 million a year and while FFA are desperately trying to negotiate an extension, it is looking increasingly likely that they will have to find a new major sponsor.

Hyundai is preparing to walk away from its long association with Australian soccer.Credit:AAP
Sources close to the negotiations suggest Hyundai Australia have informed FFA of their intention not to renew their deal when it expires in just four months.
However, there remains a chance they may extend their sponsorship for one more year until June 2021. FFA are hoping to at least negotiate a short-term agreement that will provide them with enough time to find another major sponsor without copping an immediate and significant hit to their bottom line.
Hyundai Australia remained tight-lipped on the future of their partnership when approached by The Herald on Monday.
Loading
“Conversations are currently ongoing between Hyundai and Football Federation Australia around Hyundai’s naming rights partnership with the game. Currently we are not in a position to go into detail about these discussions but we will be announcing our plans at the appropriate time," Hyundai's director of marketing, Bill Thomas, said.
After the broadcast deal with Fox Sports, Hyundai's sponsorship is the FFA's most significant corporate partnership. Senior FFA sources informed The Herald the organisation is eager to retain Hyundai as a sponsor and are hopeful of reaching a deal to extend their partnership before June.
“Commercial discussions are ongoing between Hyundai and Football Federation Australia in relation to its whole of game partnership. As these discussion are continuing, FFA is not in a position to provide any specific comment. FFA greatly appreciates its partnership with Hyundai which has spanned over 15 years," an FFA spokesman said.
Clubs have already been briefed about the possibility of a future without Hyundai. Last week, FFA told A-League clubs to refrain from including Hyundai's logo on jersey designs for next year due to the uncertainty over the sponsorship deal beyond June.
Declining public interest in the A-League and poor financial results in the motor vehicle industry are the main factors influencing Hyundai's likely exit from Australian football.
Their sponsorship with FFA has primarily been associated with the A-League, with Hyundai having been the naming rights partner of the competition since its inception in 2005, while the company also contributes close to $1 million towards FFA's national teams each year.
The value of Hyundai's sponsorship of the A-League has risen to about $5 million per annum which also includes the provision of four cars to each club in the competition.
As revealed by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in January last year, Hyundai were unhappy with the poor publicity surrounding FFA's sacking of former Matildas coach, Alen Stajcic. Hyundai weren't happy with the handling of the incident by FFA's former management which occurred as they released a significant football advertisement campaign.

Major sponsor Hyundai set to cut ties with FFA

Car manufacturer is preparing to end its 15-year partnership with Australian football, worth $6m per season, at the end of the current deal in June.

www.theage.com.au

oh boy it just gets worse. The League is in the pits..

 

[Colonial]

Fair point.





On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[chazwazza]

I think one of the concerns is that like the new TV rights deal a few years ago it didn’t provide the wealth that was intended. Unless there’s a bidding war I doubt a new major sponsor will provide the same revenue as what we’ve had.

 

[gaskin]

As someone pointed out elsewhere, there should be some sort of bidding war. Considering the name of the sponsor is in the title of the league, that is some serious exposure for whoever stumps up the cash.

 

[acm21]

Reports from ftbl (source of Chinese sports media group) are saying the glory opponents have already canceled their travel plans to australia and have instead flown to Dubai. With titan sport plus tweeting the club doesnt think the game will go ahead as scheduled (which may just mean, as everyone thinks they aren’t able to play in Perth)


Sent from my iPad using BigFooty.com

 

[acm21]

Major sponsor Hyundai set to cut ties with FFA
Dominic Bossi

4 minutes

Major sponsor Hyundai set to cut ties with FFA
Story added to your shortlist0
Football Federation Australia is bracing for the prospect of losing its biggest sponsor, with Hyundai prepared to walk away from a 15-year affiliation with Australian soccer when their current deal expires in June.
The Korean car manufacturer's naming rights sponsorship deal is worth $6 million a year and while FFA are desperately trying to negotiate an extension, it is looking increasingly likely that they will have to find a new major sponsor.

Hyundai is preparing to walk away from its long association with Australian soccer.Credit:AAP
Sources close to the negotiations suggest Hyundai Australia have informed FFA of their intention not to renew their deal when it expires in just four months.
However, there remains a chance they may extend their sponsorship for one more year until June 2021. FFA are hoping to at least negotiate a short-term agreement that will provide them with enough time to find another major sponsor without copping an immediate and significant hit to their bottom line.
Hyundai Australia remained tight-lipped on the future of their partnership when approached by The Herald on Monday.
Loading
“Conversations are currently ongoing between Hyundai and Football Federation Australia around Hyundai’s naming rights partnership with the game. Currently we are not in a position to go into detail about these discussions but we will be announcing our plans at the appropriate time," Hyundai's director of marketing, Bill Thomas, said.
After the broadcast deal with Fox Sports, Hyundai's sponsorship is the FFA's most significant corporate partnership. Senior FFA sources informed The Herald the organisation is eager to retain Hyundai as a sponsor and are hopeful of reaching a deal to extend their partnership before June.
“Commercial discussions are ongoing between Hyundai and Football Federation Australia in relation to its whole of game partnership. As these discussion are continuing, FFA is not in a position to provide any specific comment. FFA greatly appreciates its partnership with Hyundai which has spanned over 15 years," an FFA spokesman said.
Clubs have already been briefed about the possibility of a future without Hyundai. Last week, FFA told A-League clubs to refrain from including Hyundai's logo on jersey designs for next year due to the uncertainty over the sponsorship deal beyond June.
Declining public interest in the A-League and poor financial results in the motor vehicle industry are the main factors influencing Hyundai's likely exit from Australian football.
Their sponsorship with FFA has primarily been associated with the A-League, with Hyundai having been the naming rights partner of the competition since its inception in 2005, while the company also contributes close to $1 million towards FFA's national teams each year.
The value of Hyundai's sponsorship of the A-League has risen to about $5 million per annum which also includes the provision of four cars to each club in the competition.
As revealed by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in January last year, Hyundai were unhappy with the poor publicity surrounding FFA's sacking of former Matildas coach, Alen Stajcic. Hyundai weren't happy with the handling of the incident by FFA's former management which occurred as they released a significant football advertisement campaign.

Major sponsor Hyundai set to cut ties with FFA

Car manufacturer is preparing to end its 15-year partnership with Australian football, worth $6m per season, at the end of the current deal in June.

www.theage.com.au

oh boy it just gets worse. The League is in the pits..

Update from the world game:

Chris Fong, deputy chair of the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA), the umbrella body for the clubs, is confident Hyundai will remain part of the domestic football fabric, even if they are potentially no longer the main naming rights holder.


Fong, also the vice-chairman of Brisbane Roar, told The World Game: “We have a very good relationship with Hyundai and I think globally they remain very committed to football.

“There might be a re-structure - and I believe there have been discussions on that front - but I wouldn’t be going to the full extent of saying that Hyundai are exiting the A-League.

“I wouldn’t say that at all and don’t give much credence to the claims that that’s the case.

“Nothing has been agreed to or finalized - discussions are ongoing involving all parties.

“The contract is certainly coming up for renewal but I’m not aware of anything else at this stage.

“Hyundai has had a change of manager in the past year or so but we’ve had some positive dialogue with them.

“We’re not going anywhere, the A-League is going to be around and Hyundai are going to be around.”

Fong also challenged the claim that clubs have been told by FFA to keep the Hyundai logo off jersey designs for next season amid the ongoing uncertainty.

Fong sees a future where a broad spectrum of sponsors are involved in an array of programs that stretch far beyond just branding and naming rights, and also encompass partnerships with state federations.

“(With the separation of powers between FFA and the A-League) there’s going to be far more opportunities with sponsors that haven’t been tapped into over the past few years, with broader football initiatives like grassroots developments and academies,” said Fong.

“I think you’ll see the likes of Hyundai and others working on other programs.

“It may not be just branding - it’ll be more partnerships engaging with fans and communities.

“Hyundai sell cars and we engage with so many communities - and we can work on programs with them and others to provide greater reach.

“The Hyundais and other sponsors need to look at their financials and we can support their businesses while they support ours. That’s got to be the future.”

Fong said the clubs and the FFA, through its new CEO James Johnson, were working in close collaboration to ensure the game explored every avenue to attract sponsors and keep existing ones.

“There’s far greater cooperation between the FFA and the clubs than ever before, and we’re very happy for that,” added Fong.

“We’re doing things side by side - it’s not us and them. It’s us.”

 

[gaskin]

ACL games involving the Chinese teams have been postponed until April/May.

 

[acm21]

ACL games involving the Chinese teams have been postponed until April/May.

Not sure what else they could have done. It will make the schedule a lot more hectic than it already is.


Sent from my iPad using BigFooty.com

 

[gaskin]

I'll wait for official confirmation but I'd say if Adam is reporting it then it is pretty much nailed on.

 

[acm21]

I'll wait for official confirmation but I'd say if Adam is reporting it then it is pretty much nailed on.

It’s been confirmed. FTBL has also stated “Organisers have also decided the east zone round of 16 matches will be played on proposed dates of June 16 and 17 with the return legs on June 23 or 24.

A deadline of 21 days has been set before each rescheduled match and if it decided the games can't go ahead as scheduled, the host club will have to nominate a neutral venue at least 14 days before the match day.”




Sent from my iPad using BigFooty.com

 

[giggler99]

Good news Andonis1997 Aucklander

 

[Andonis1997]

Good news Andonis1997 Aucklander

Brilliant, it's about time.

Thank you to every club for the request
..Except Western, where the WMG follow a #KickTheNix twitter account with 9 followers.

 

[giggler99]

A-League club Perth Glory set to be sold to London-based cryptocurrency group
By Frances Bell and Clint Thomas
Wed 12 Feb 2020, 7:23pm

A "very emotional" Perth Glory owner Tony Sage says he is close to finalising a deal to sell the majority of his stake in the A-League club to a London-based cryptocurrency group, but has assured fans the club's name, colours and "heritage" will be retained.
Key points:

• A new group, the London Football Exchange, is set to buy Perth Glory
• Tony Sage says he waited for the right deal to protect Glory's heritage
• He is hoping to reach a deal within 48 hours to sell 80 per cent of the club

The millionaire businessman has been the sole owner of the Glory since 2009.
But Mr Sage said he was no longer able to compete with the financial power of other A-League clubs and had been looking for an investment partner for the past 18 months.
"Last year's loss was about $2.9 million, which is a huge loss to take on by myself," he said.
"I'm the only sole owner left in the league."
Mr Sage said he had received four offers for the club over the past 18 months, but each of them came with conditions he could not accept, including changing the club's name or colours.
"One thing I am very big on is the history of Perth Glory, so I've been patient," he said.
Mr Sage said he had been negotiating for about four weeks with a new cryptocurrency group, the London Football Exchange, which was looking to buy several football clubs around the world.
He was currently in Dubai, on his way to London, where he hoped to finalise a deal within 48 hours to sell 80 per cent of his stake to the group.

Deal will bring 'many opportunities': Sage
Mr Sage said he would retain the remaining 20 per cent stake and would also become chairman of the London Football Exchange from March 1.
"It's not quite a done deal yet. They wanted 100 per cent of the club, I was unwilling to go to 100 per cent," he said.
"I wanted to retain [a share] because I think the future of Australian football is going to be huge."
Mr Sage said he was "very emotional" when he told Glory players and staff of his plans at a meeting at the club yesterday.

"I said actually it was a sad day for me, but it's an exciting future for the club," he said.

"We'll be part of a group that has six or seven clubs in it over the next two years.
"From about next season, the owners will own the [A-League] and that's a massive change in itself. The FFA won't be involved.
"We're going to be set now with a big partner … so many opportunities will arise from this transaction if it happens in the next 48 hours."
Mr Sage said he expected Perth Glory would continue to post losses for another two years until a new TV rights deal was negotiated.

What is the London Football Exchange?
According to its website, the London Football Exchange is the world's first football club stock exchange that will allow fans, traders and investors to acquire shares.
But if Glory supporters are offered the opportunity to buy into the club in the form of cryptocurrency it should be done with caution according to Leigh Travers, executive director of blockchain firm Digital X.
"I think fans that are looking to buy a LFE token to get ownership need to do a bit of research first to make sure what they are buying is exactly what they are going to get," he said.
"Understand exactly what it is you are buying, whether it is the ability just to use it as a currency to go purchase merchandise or something like that or if it is actual ownership," he said.
Mr Travers said a football club like the Glory would be an attractive proposition for the London Football Exchange as it looked to expand overseas.
"I think that Perth Glory has a strong supporter base, it has had a very successful history and it is a big jurisdiction jump from London to Australia," he said.
"I think that might be a springboard for some other activities they are looking to do — try things out in a more concentrated local market see what the demand is and then bring it to other market places as well."

Follow this story to get email or text alerts from ABC News when there is a future article following this storyline.

A-League club Perth Glory set to be sold to London-based cryptocurrency group

A "very emotional" Perth Glory owner Tony Sage is close to finalising a deal to sell a majority share in the A-League club, but is assuring fans the team's name, colours and "heritage" will be retained.

www.abc.net.au

Interesting venture? What do the Glory fans think?