The newly-formed Australian Professional Leagues view Canberra as a "very important part" of their vision to expand the A-League, but the capital's fate still rests in Football Australia's hands.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The A-League and W-League finalised their historic "unbundling" from FA on Thursday, with the two bodies agreeing to terms for a new operational model controlled by the clubs.
It means the APL will take over the operational, commercial and marketing control of the leagues and all revenue-generated responsibilities - a move Western Sydney Wanderers owner and interim APL chairman Paul Lederer described as "monumental" for Australian football.
Lederer also flagged the owners' intention to add four teams to the A-League but under the agreement, FA would still be responsible for expansion and contraction processes.
FA boss James Johnson said they'd agreed to have a meaningful consultation process with the APL on creating those criteria moving forward.
Canberra has been bidding for an A-League team for more than a decade. The Capital Region Football Collective tabled an offer in excess of $4-million in late August, but appear no closer to gaining a licence.
Lederer said: "We've got 12 professional clubs as we currently speak and our intention is to grow that to 14-16 clubs at the right time, with the right structure, with the right owners and the right financial backing. That's the simple answer. We are totally committed.
"This league will grow, our intention is to make sure it's a national sport and Canberra is a very important part - that's what I believe. If the right owner, with the right structure and right financial backing comes on, we have to have a look at it."
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
The APL Board will comprise of five directors from the clubs, three independent directors and one person appointed by FA. Current Head of Leagues Greg O'Rourke would take on a new role as commissioner.
Canberra United would be the sole club with an observer seat within the shareholders meeting because it only holds a W-League licence and is run by Capital Football.
Women's football is a key priority for FA and the APL, with both bodies eager to seize the opportunity to grow the sport in the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup.
"There's a massive future in the W-League. It's going on very nicely but there's plenty of potential to take it to the next level," Lederer said.
"We are totally committed, all the clubs, to the W-League."
The new model for the leagues would be implemented throughout the 2020-21 season.
Johnson said the FA's next priority would be establishing a player transfer system, with the peak body to hold discussions with the APL, Professional Footballers Australia, member federations and clubs in 2021.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
