Football Federation Australia (FFA) has teamed up with professional and financial services company Deloitte to aid the expansion process for its top-tier A-League competition, reports SportBusiness.
FFA last month formally commenced a process to add two new clubs to the A-League from the 2019-20 season and a decision on the new teams is set to be made in October.
The A-League has comprised 10 teams since the addition of the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2012, and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are reported to be the leading contenders for the new clubs.
FFA said that 10 parties have responded to an invitation from the organisation to lodge expressions of interest, adding that "more are likely" over the coming weeks.
Deloitte will help promote the expansion opportunity to investors around the world, with a particular focus to be placed on investors in Europe, North America and Asia that have an existing involvement in football.
Deloitte will provide information to bidders, manage questions, facilitate meetings and conduct due diligence on proposals received.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said: "Deloitte have considerable expertise in this area and specific expertise through their Manchester office in football investment which is why we have engaged them. We will ensure that all potential investors are aware of the process.
"We can already see that there is genuine interest in the market, encouraged by the recent sale of Adelaide United which demonstrated that A-League club licences have grown significantly in value over time."
Deloitte partner Aaron Black added: "Deloitte has a long-standing history and a global pedigree advising local and international sports on their most strategic opportunities. With Asia Pacific the fastest growing economy in the world we're delighted to be assisting FFA with this process to expand the league and continue to grow 'the World Game' Down Under."
The call for expressions of interest represents the first step in the A-League expansion process and requires bidders to address a vision and strategy for the new club, proposed location(s), financial capacity and details on people involved in the prospective bid.
The closing date for submission of expression of interest responses has been set for May 24, with the shortlisted bidders to be confirmed in June.
On June 11, FFA will release a request for proposal, with bidders having until August 31 to submit their proposals. FFA plans to announce the two new teams on October 31.
