‘Caceres Clause’ set to be phased out ahead of the 2025/26 A-Leagues season

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Image credit: Austadiums

Football Australia, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), and the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) have confirmed a joint commitment to review and phase out the ‘Caceres Clause’ in the lead-up to the 2025/26 A-Leagues season.

The Clause was brought back into the discussion after Auckland FC confirmed the loan signing of Alex Paulsen from sister club AFC Bournemouth.

The rule essentially prohibits the registration of a player to an A-League club if a team within the same club ownership group purchases a player from another A-League organisation and attempts to transfer/loan such player to their related A-League side.

The three Australian football governing bodies have identified that the clause is outdated and no longer fit for purpose due to the expansion of Australian football and the broader globalisation of the football economy.

Ever since the rule was implemented, multi-club ownerships have become more common across the footballing world and in Australia, with the likes of Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory all being part of multi-club partnerships.

Numerous contributing factors explain why the clause needs to be phased out, such as the increase in value of A-League players, the increasing interest in players between A-League clubs, and longer player contract terms.

Regarding how the clause will be phased out, the first stage will happen effective immediately where the clause will be amended to allow such transfers involving clubs with common ownership.

Therefore, Alex Paulsen’s move to Auckland FC will go ahead and become a registered player.

However, there will be “guardrails” limiting the number of multi-club transfers and loans to two players on loan at any one time, which is similar to the existing FIFA loan prohibitions.

The second stage will aim to enhance the broader A-Leagues’ economic model, such as assessing the efficacy of the salary cap against its stated objectives as well as exploring the potential benefits of transfer fee payments between A-League clubs.

The changes will be considered by both the men’s and women’s professional football committees, which include representation from the APL, clubs and players.

They review the A-Leagues by regularly assessing key strategic matters including commercial, broadcast, and high-performance areas and the A-Leagues’ economic model.

Football Australia will also be invited to join to discuss the changes as a regulator.

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Bundesliga DNA to the Boardroom: German-born Martin Kugeler Takes the Helm at Football Australia

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German-born executive, Martin Kugeler, shaped by Europe’s football culture and based in Australia since 2009, will step in as Football Australia CEO in February as the game eyes a defining 2026.

Reaching new heights

During the press conference held earlier this morning, Kugeler displayed both confidence and ambition as he prepares to lead a new era for Football Australia next month.

“Football in Australia has a strong foundation for growth. Our national impact is massive,” he said, highlighting both the immense number of participants and local clubs in Australia. He then continued to underline both the Socceroos and the Matildas as valuable assets in the nation’s football sphere.

“We have exceptional national teams that continually make us proud. They perform at a truly global scale and unite not only the football community, but the entire nation.”

With both the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup both on the horizon in 2026, the year certainly represents a huge opportunity for both the men’s and women’s game to showcase Australian footballing talent on an international scale. But the focus, as Krugeler underlined, will extend beyond the national team and address all levels of football in Australia to help the game grow.

“Football brings people and communities together. For a healthy lifestyle, for connection, for enjoyment, for belonging, powered by a remarkable, passion [and] dedicated players, referees, coaches, volunteers and fans,” he continued.

An inspiring reminder to all those involved in the game across Australia, and one which will hopefully show participants and stakeholders at all levels that 2026 will begin a new period of stability, growth and innovation.

 

Expertise, passion and ambition

Of course, the dawn of a new era for Football Australia cannot be successfully achieved without addressing the past and current issues, while still keeping an ambitious eye on what football can become at both national and international level for Australia.

Alongside Kugeler in the FA leadership team will be Football Australia Chair, Anter Isaac, as well as former Matilda, and current interim CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock. With their combined industry expertise and true passion for the game, all fans, players and stakeholders can be optimistic for the future of football governance in Australia.

But while expertise and passion are undoubtedly valuable assets for the FA, it remains essential that these help to inform the decisions and solutions made with the game’s best interests at heart.

 

 

 

 

‘We Can Do So Much More’: Players Take Control of the A-League Women’s Future

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Image Credit: One Nil

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched Ready For Takeoff – The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women, a player-led roadmap outlining the future direction of the domestic women’s competition.

Unveiled on Wednesday at Ultra Football in Melbourne, the initiative places current A-League Women players at the centre of discussion. Elevating the debate around professionalism, sustainability and long-term growth of the league.

The Players’ Vision for the A-League Women – Image Credit: One Nil

The vision, developed through consultation with players across the competition, calls for improved professional standards, greater investment and governance structures that reflect the specific needs of the women’s game. It comes amid ongoing conversations about contract security, season length and the transition toward full-time professionalism.

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch – Image Credit: One Nil

PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said players had been clear about the sacrifices required to continue competing in the league.

“We’ve heard from players about the struggle and sacrifices they continue to make to play the game they love, but we can do so much more than this,” Busch said. “A fully professional game here in Australia is crucial to creating the next generation of Matildas, but also to ensure we reach our potential and win a FIFA World Cup.”

PFA Deputy Chair Elise Kellond-Knight and A-League Women players Grace Maher and Dylan Holmes also addressed media, reinforcing the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the competition.

The PFA said Ready For Takeoff provides a clear, achievable framework for the continued evolution of the A-League Women. The initiative urges stakeholders to work collaboratively with players to ensure the league’s growth matches the talent, ambition and momentum of women’s football in Australia.

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