Tasmanian A-League bid ‘chasing big backer’

A sheikh from the oil-rich Arab Emirate of Dubai has been linked to Tasmania’s bid for an A-League team.

It’s a perfect fit, according to Tasmania United FC bid boss John McGirr.

The as yet un-named international man of mystery could be to Tasmania United FC what Roman Abramovich is to Chelsea, the bid boss says.

McGirr let slip about the sheikh on Monday at a news conference in Hobart to announce the Tasmanian government’s $40,000 contribution to a feasibility study.

However he tantalisingly refused to reveal his identity, until later this week, leaving Tasmanian football fans wondering about the identity of this hotels and the hospitality industry tycoon.

McGirr said the serious football fan owns several teams in Africa, has owned a team in Dubai, and could be interested in adding Tasmania to his global football empire.

The mystery sheikh is being courted as a major sponsor of Tasmania United FC joining a 12-team competition in 2010/11.

“Our director of football Ken Morton is, as we speak, negotiating with a businessman in Dubai who is very, very keen to come on board,” McGirr told reporters.

McGirr said the sheikh could become the sole owner of the club: “Just like (Roman) Abramovich at Chelsea.”

The cost of being Tasmania’s Abramovich is $6 million over three years.

Other revenue streams make up the $7.5 million per year cost of running the team which, it’s been suggested, could play in front of a large, covered grandstand across an end of Bellerive Oval.

Gold Coast and North Queensland teams join the A-League next season, making a 10-team competition.

McGirr said the 11th licence has gone to a Melbourne bid.

Tasmania United FC is up against bids from Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra for the 12th A-League licence.

The national capital’s bid lacks the pizazz of a sheikh but it has scored financial backing from Victorian businesswoman Millissa Fischer who already owns Victorian Premier League side Altona Magic.

The ACT government has committed $2.5 million to its team.

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© 2010 AAP