Harry Kewell’s revenue-sharing lure to A-League clubs is a smart way of attracting quality players to the domestic competition, according to Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley.
Kewell is prepared to go without a basic wage to return to Australia, in exchange for a share of revenue of the extra crowds, members and sponsorship he attracts.
His manager Bernie Mandic confirmed during the week that Kewell, who is off contract at Turkish club Galatasaray, is interested in playing in the A-League under certain conditions.
Media reports have linked the former Liverpool and Leeds star with Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and defending A-League champions Brisbane Roar.
“It would be a fantastic outcome for whichever club is good enough to secure his services. They’ll be deeply rewarded both on the pitch and off the pitch,” Buckley said.
“We’re certainly delighted that Harry is looking very closely at coming back and delighted that the clubs look like they’re making some progress.
“It’s up to each individual club how they want to structure a potential agreement.
“But I think it’s actually a smart thing to do. To attract players of Harry’s quality is not inexpensive.
“I think Harry is demonstrating that he’s prepared to come back and play for a base fee and that’s not going to put him out of reach of the A-League clubs.”
Buckley believes the club who secured Kewell’s services wouldn’t be the only benefactors of snaring the attacking midfielder.
“The club and the competition would share in the upside as crowds build,” he said.
“I think the clubs and Harry should be commended for the way they’re approaching it.
“I think we’re very cognisant that players like Harry can bring an enormous amount of benefits to the competition.”
The A-League received a boost on Thursday with Buckley announcing a deal believed to be worth around $10 million with Optus, who will create, manage and market the FFA’s websites and mobile phone applications.
The digital channels will connect fans with the Socceroos and all teams which fall under the banner of Australian football, with A-League club websites fully stocked with video, highlight packages and unique content.
Meanwhile, Buckley said he is pleased commentator Les Murray has apologised and backed down from claims Socceroos’ captain Lucas Neill led a player revolt against former coach Pim Verbeek at the World Cup.
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