Soccer: Company challenge to soccer structure

The Football Kingz say they have not been approached by a new company which could pose a threat to the National Soccer League or by the Professional Footballers Association, which is understood to be behind it.

Kingz general manager Chris Turner said the club and others in the league had heard speculation that a new company had been set up which could either pose a threat to the competition, or coerce Soccer Australia to hand it over to an independent company.

Sydney newspapers say a company called the Australian Premier League has been registered and could force the hand of Soccer Australia and its restructuring plans.

The reports say the company has the support of several leading clubs, and aims at a fully professional, well-funded and well-marketed competition on similar lines to England's premier league.

Sources in the league say there is particular frustration at television coverage, and independent management is seen as a solution.

"We know nothing about it," Turner said. "We've had no approaches or contact from either this new company or the PFA.

nte"I've also spoken to three other clubs and they say the same thing - that as of yet, there have been no approaches or comment from the PFA."

However, Turner said the Kingz were firmly behind the restructuring of the competition.

Soccer Australia has proposed reducing the number of teams from 14 to 12.

The demise of Carlton in the past fortnight has already made that easier, and there are also doubts over Eastern Pride.

Sources linked to another club based in Australia confirmed that there was strong speculation about significant changes in the next few months, with independent management tipped to lead to better marketing and television coverage.

- NZPA