The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Two Sydney A-League bids join forces

(Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
20th August, 2018
19

Two A-League expansion bids based in Sydney’s south west have merged in a significant boost for the region’s hopes of entering the competition next year.

The United For Macarthur and South-West Sydney FC bids confirmed on Monday they would be joining forces.

It makes the new combined entity, who would play out of Campbelltown Stadium, a raging hot favourite to be awarded one of two A-League licences for the 2019/20 campaign.

The amalgamation brings together the financial clout of billionaire property developer Lang Walker, who had endorsed United For Macarthur in conjunction with the Campbelltown City Council, as well as the backing of the investors and local associations who were behind South-West Sydney FC.

“We’re stronger together,” United For Macarthur bid chairman Chris Redman said.

“This is a win for the broader region’s community. We’re one voice now.

“Both bids from this region were very strong and unity is important as we try to deliver an A-League club for our wonderful and vast region. So, we believe a joining of forces will significantly strengthen the bid.”

Campbelltown mayor Cr George Brticevic said the merger would present Football Federation Australia with a “compelling case” for entry.

Advertisement

FFA is believed to be leaning towards Sydney and Melbourne as the location for the new teams.

The only other bid left standing in Sydney is the Chinese-backed Southern Expansion, who are seeking to represent the St George, Sutherland and Illawarra regions amid fierce opposition from Sydney FC.

Team 11, based in south-east Melbourne, is seen as the most viable bid from Victoria at present – but there is no shortage of competition with former NSL powerhouse South Melbourne and the cashed-up Western Melbourne Group also in the mix.

Expansion bidders have until August 31 to provide FFA with their final submissions before an announcement is made in October.

close