In what could be watershed moment for Australian football, the Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) have released their final report looking into the establishment of a National Second Division (NSD).
The Final AAFC Report has been signed off by the clubs.
A copy of the full report is available from AAFC at:https://t.co/WKtasJFF6n pic.twitter.com/5OABwF4ZkW
— AAFC (@AAFClubs) February 22, 2022
The long awaited report comes just days after Football Australia (FA) CEO James Johnson discussed the probability of a national second division as well as a domestic transfer system on ESPN Podcast – Beyond the Lead with prominent football journalist, Joey Lynch.
Established in 2017, the AAFC is made up of 30 member and prospective and clubs drawn from the various National Premier League clubs around Australia, including WA’s Perth Soccer Club and Bayswater City Soccer Club.
Signed off by all member and prospective second division clubs, the ‘live’ report, as it is described, outlines various aspects including the association’s vision, definitions, beneficial factors as well as addressing commercial, financial modelling and governance considerations which have been of most concern to those sceptical of such reform.
“This report does not seek to make the case for a genuine national second division. That case has well and truly been made and accepted”, the report reads in AAFC Chairman, Nick Galatas’ foreword.
Also raised is the promotion and relegation debate that goes hand-in-hand with any mentions of a second tier to tie into the existing structure with the A-Leagues, now operating independently by the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) under the majority ownership of the A-League clubs themselves. The stance of the APL and the current A-League clubs as a collective remains unknown in regards to such reforms.
The report also mentions the desire for a national second division for women’s football and how it ties into Football Australia’s XI Principles for the future of Australian Football
The release of the report now means the responsibility now lies with Football Australia, State Member Federations and various other stakeholders to respond, consult and conduct any due diligence necessary.
The AAFC report can be viewed and downloaded here.
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