A-League introduces new import quota rule

The per worker (or FTE) calculation is a very basic metric used by organisations to benchmark the productivity of their workers. I agree, but you're not measuring apples with apples, despite your persistent claims. In my field of expertise, the Gold Standard of Evidence is: The Randomised Controlled Trial Why? Because experiments or studies conducted in such a way remove as many sources of bias as possible from the process. Basically, scientific errors of the past have taught us where we can go wrong, drawing false conclusions from our research. RCTs are designed to eliminate these major errors. Now although I wouldn't necessarily use this method to validate a business hypothesis, I can use it to question the validity of your above statements; especially when it comes to challenging any variables, which may significantly corrupt your conclusions. Why is Foxtel is a useful measurement? Because Foxtel is the only broadcaster who purchases 100% of the content for: AFL, NRL, HAL. All very true and a good basis to collate data from, analyse and draw a conclusion. However, in your conclusion you must also acknowledge any variables which may skew your data. You have chosen not to and when challenged...have not provided an answer. This is unacceptable on any professional level. As such, I'll ask you again, but in far greater detail. I expect a response considering the effort I've gone to here. The following two variables will have a significant effect on the AFL's Foxtel agreement: 1. Exclusivity; and 2. Prime time Tv slots Exclusivity Foxtel has 5 out of 9 exclusive AFL matches vs 4 out of 5 in the HAL. You do the math. The AFL paid a significant cost allowing 4 FTA matches being broadcast, but they were praised by the public for not selling themselves out to the devil so to speak. Prime Time This has been a nightmare for the AFL, appeasing the broadcasters to maximise revenue; whilst providing family-friendly timeslots for attending fans and maintaining traditional timeslots such as a day grand final. Conversely the NRL as acknowledged it has sacrificed both equity and live fans at the expense of broadcaster revenue. They recently announced the Bronco's once again will be playing most of their matches on Friday night, much to the dismay of the fans and other clubs for instance. Will the ALeague's schedule be equitable like the AFL's or broadcaster friendly like the NRL's. Either way, you've failed to acknowledge this significant variable; one which affects their respective financial value significantly. When we have the full figures for the FFA’s TV broadcast deal, I’ll write a new article. I hope you do, but please don't use that as an excuse to compare each codes Foxtel agreement without addressing these variables. It's sloppy analysis. If this was a research proposal you had to defend...you'd get torn to shreds by your peers.

That's not true. Critics of the Visa system said the same thing years ago and yet we have recruited the likes of Broich, Berisha and Fornoroli - not only did we keep them but we were then able to retain them using the marquee status. The talent is there in Asia, it's just not being scouted.

"your bizarre metric didn’t look at total revenue, it just looked at the Fox revenue" Very valid point Mr AFL. When we have the full figures for the FFA's TV broadcast deal, I'll write a new article. Why is Foxtel is a useful measurement? Because Foxtel is the only broadcaster who purchases 100% of the content for: AFL, NRL, HAL. But, I will definitely write a new article about Total Broadcast Revenue per player. Other useful metrics would be: - Total sponsorship revenue per player - Total football operations expenses per player - Total non-football operations expenses per player AFL has 720 players NRL has 480 players HAL has 230 players So, you can see the HAL doesn't need to generate as much revenue to hit the same FTE revenue benchmarks as the other 2 competitions.

Yeh, but your bizarre metric didn't look at total revenue, it just looked at the Fox revenue, ignoring that at least two comps earn as much again from FTA, and that's before we get into sponsorship, merchandising, memberships, gate takings, etc. So if you were truly interested in what the workers (the players) were producing in revenue, you'd look at the total revenue they produce. Let me give you a kickstart, the 720 AFL players produce around $1.2 billion in revenue per annum.

Just follow the Roar and I won't have to hate you ?

"trying to compare Tv revenue per player between codes. NFI what he was trying to achieve mind you" "So I do remember the per player calculation and was mystified as to why" If you can't understand why businesses will try to maximise Revenue/FTE, well i have to assume you have never owned/managed a business. The per worker (or FTE) calculation is a very basic metric used by organisations to benchmark the productivity of their workers. It's not the only metric. It's one metric. It doesn't only have to be Revenue/FTE. Organisations will benchmark: Capex/FTE, Profit/FTE, etc. etc. Business A receives $100 revenue for all its content. Business B receives $200 revenue for all its content. If Business A has 10 workers to generate this $100. Each worker is generating $10 of revenue. Business B has 40 workers to generate this $200. Each worker is generating $5 of revenue. Labour costs are usually the biggest expense for any Business. This is Business 101 that the kid running the local lemonade stand would understand. It does not require MBA qualifications.

Waz - if you keep talking sense like that, I might start following the ALeague and stop watching the EPL. Stranger things have happened. :)

Your last paragraph makes perfect sense. To achieve that dream though we need a few things - a domestic competition capable of breading world beating players (the HAL is halfway there), the second thing is better international club competition - at the moment it's not really there so players leave for foreign Shores normally in Europe. If the CSL develops as anticipated the flow on effects for our domestic game will be huge, Japan is already cashed up from it's own mega tv deal, big crowds and big corporate backing so really HAL sides must rise to the challenge - basically all the improvements we've seen in the last ten years will need to be made again in the next 5 if we are to compete. That hopefully will be fueled by a rather disappointing domestic media deal topped up by hopefully a large revenue source from the ACL which is starting to deliver albeit not yet. So I do remember the per player calculation and was mystified as to why but an improved domestic deal + acl revenues will be the kick start we need. And whether players are in Aus or China won't matter if HAL/ACL develop appropriately.

Apology accepted. Let me constructively add further to my comments now. A fellow Roarer (not long ago) posted a somewhat bizarre article trying to compare Tv revenue per player between codes. NFI what he was trying to achieve mind you, but it did highlight how small an economy the ALeague is due to its relatively small player-base. How does this relate to my point? Many a time I have dreamt the day our Socceroos become World Champions; but for this to become reality: football (in this country) needs a strong, clear and abundant pathway to professionalism. The CFA (I believe) has the financial capacity to one day rival some of the European leagues. Should this be the case, many pathways open-up for Australians to ply their trade in this league; more importantly: become better players, competing against the very best in the world should elite talent do what they do best...chase top-dollar for their services. If the CFA deduces its quoted of foreign players, it limits another pathway for Australian elite talent to flourish; limiting our ability further to produce world class talent...the very depth of talent required to win a World Cup. Australia has the junior participation rates to become the best in the world. We have the sports science expertise. We just need to identify talent and offer more readily accessible pathways to professionalism.

The Annual National Football conference is being held in China, already published decisions includs: 1. each CSL clubs could register 4+1 foreigners, but clould only sent 3 of the on pitch each match. 2. Two U-23 players must be included in matchday squads of CSL teams, one of them must be starter. some other Proposal still being made includes 1.regulations of Professional Football League Ltd. will be made during the conference. 2.Discuss of the salary cap ragulations of CSL. 3.Discuss Financial standard of Professional clubs 4.Audits of third parties on financial stats of clubs 5.Discuss regulations on international transfer policy 6.make clear demands on the club's youth programme, tranning bases and other aspects

Okay fair cop, you didn't say much but what you did say was pretty intelligent so you can have your apology. sorry.

Agreed Franko, while I think it's a good idea in the long term, in the short term we can expect at least half of all clubs to run around with one less foreign player. Why do I say that? Because those Asian players who are equivalent to the top quartile of A-League talent will always be able to earn more in the other Asian comps. Those earning below-average A-League wages are not going to be worth recruiting to the A-League.

I tend to find people who lol at the end of their comments to be nothing more than juvenile antagonist. However, your comments generally are of sound & reasonable logic, so I'll give this conversation a go (if you've willing). http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/01/12/48-team-fifa-world-cup-will-good-thing/ Go read my comments in that thread. Does that sound like the type of person who would take a swipe at football? I was one of only two people in that thread the 'expert' could be bothered replying to. My first point is very valid: this forum has become a joke when it comes to discussing football. It's turned into nothing more than a code-war blogging site for cheap-and-nasty writers who call themselves 'experts'. Many here embarrassed themselves today by even commenting on Mike's article, which should have been ignored — tell me I'm wrong Waz? I could make a far more interesting football discussion by just elaborating on my original last sentence above than anything posted today. I'll even let you adjudicate if you like; if you don't feel I have, I'll never post on this site again. If I do, perhaps an apology is in oder — that's all I'll ask of you. Up for the challenge my friend?

So c'mon, comment on the above article rather than take a side swipe at the football lol

There's plenty of fish there just no one goes fishing. Europe is easier.

Chinese Football Association (CFA) — quite relevant to this discussion. Any other pearls of wisdom champ?

What does a firefighting organisation have to do with professional football? Maybe put some more thought into your posting.

And don't forget some of the war-torn regions in the Middle East - Syria, Iraq and Palestine. Some players may want a bit more security for their families and we can offer that, as well as the prospect of long-term settlement. If anybody wants to scoff at the idea of recruiting Syrian players, please keep in mind that Syria has made it to the final round of AFC World Cup Qualifiers, bloody brilliant for a country with as much strife as it has.

Luring players away from the Gulf and East Asia might be difficult, but Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and even Iran offer some brilliant potential recruits. There's also the possibilities of loan deals from J-League, CSL and K-League clubs who have local players desperate for game time and whose clubs or national associations might want to expose such players to a more physical game.

It is a good move from the FFA as the future of club football is tied closely to Asia and it makes sense to encourage the clubs to increase their engagement in the region. Ever since Qu there have been Asian players plying their trade succesfully in the A-League however it has never really resulted in momentum. This may be the push that is required.