Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today welcomed the confirmation that Melbourne City FC has signed Socceroo star Tim Cahill under FFA’s new Full Season Guest Marquee Player regulations.

 

The new category allowing a Full Season Guest Marquee for each club for the 2016/17 Season was introduced in June, enhancing the establishment of FFA’s Marquee Player Fund.

 

Cahill is the first player to be approved under the Full Season Guest Marquee rule and is in the final stages of negotiating a marketing agreement to promote the Hyundai A-League beyond his club based activities.

 

“When FFA announced the 2016-19 Strategic Plan in May, the marquee player issue was front and centre to rejuvenate the Hyundai A-League, and Tim Cahill was top of the wish list,” said FFA CEO David Gallop.

 

“We’re really pleased that Melbourne City has taken the opportunity of the new regulations and the marquee fund to bring Tim home. Importantly all clubs have recognised the importance of this initiative and some are actively pursuing other Full Season Guest Marquee options.

 

“Tim’s arrival is the biggest transfer move in the A-League’s history because no player is more popular or has had a bigger impact on the modern game in Australia than Tim Cahill.”

 

The Full Season Guest Marquee player must be approved by FFA, based on stringent criteria of football and marketing benchmarks. The Guest Marque slot is in addition to the two marquee player slots outside the salary cap, which do not require FFA approval.

 

“Today’s news fits perfectly with our new marketing campaign to appeal to young families and convert more football participants into A-League fans,” said Gallop.

 

“Tim Cahill’s debut season will give millions of fans a compelling reason to watch the A-League, get to a match, pick a team and become a member.

 

“I know this signing will be a huge boost to the profile and reach of the A-League, which is already a globally recognised domestic competition and among the best in Asia.”