In a big day for Melbourne City fans, FFA have announced the introduction of full season guest players to the A-League, and have also announced that they will finally allow Melbourne City to change their playing strip from red and white to ‘City Blue’.
All ten clubs will be permitted to sign a full season guest player, on top of the currently permitted two marquee spots.
“The full season guest player opens the door for clubs to attract high profile players that not only bring talent and exposure to their market but the entire competition,” said FFA CEO David Gallop.
“This is a sign that we are serious about making the Hyundai A-League an exciting competition for our fans and an attractive proposition for high profile players to play their club football.”
The full season guest player is not only a position for quality football players, but also those who can fulfil certain marketability criteria.
“To satisfy the full season guest player criteria players must pass stringent marketability tests to ensure the club is not only signing a quality player who can add to on field performance but they will become pivotal to the marketing of the Hyundai A-League,” Gallop said.
“It is no secret that clubs and FFA have been in discussions around this concept and players who may fit the criteria but this change to the competition regulations opens the door for all clubs to have equal opportunity to take advantage of the full season guest player spot.”
It’s a boon for Melbourne City, who are expected to take advantage of the new rule to sign Socceroos legend Tim Cahill.
And in a further shot in the arm for the A-League’s youngest club, FFA have decided to allow them to change their playing strip colours to mirror those of sister club Manchester City.
“FFA received a submission from Melbourne City and after two seasons of operating with a hybrid brand the change has been approved,” Gallop said. “The City Football Group has shown they are serious about their long term commitment to the Hyundai A-League and this will allow Melbourne City to grow in line with the global brand strategy of the City Football Group.”
Melbourne City have wanted to play in a light-blue shade since the club was bought by the City Group, but Sydney FC, who play in a sky blue strip, were opposed to the fledgeling club wearing what would be a similar shirt.
“The Board noted previous concerns raised by Sydney FC but felt that things have evolved since that time and with the increasing maturity of the Hyundai A-League, the strength of Sydney FC’s ‘Sky Blue’ brand and the many uses of light blue throughout previous and current Hyundai A-League playing strips it is now appropriate to allow for the full integration of the City Football Group’s playing strip colours,” Gallop said.
“As part of the decision, Sydney FC will retain exclusivity of its ‘Sky Blue’ brand as Melbourne City adopts the ‘City Blue’ colours.”
The Roar contacted Sydney FC regarding City’s change of strip, with a spokesperson saying they have no comment “at this stage”.
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