On The Attack: Exit from AFC Champions League could prove costly for Sydney FC, Super Saturday ahead for A-League Men
Sydney FC’s loss in their AFC Champions League Two semi-final could be costly in more ways than one given a pending revamp of the A-League Men’s salary cap.
The timing of Sydney FC’s costly exit from the AFC Champions League Two competition was disappointingly fitting considering it came just hours after the financial pressures facing A-League clubs were further emphasised by the APL’s decision to revamp the salary cap.
Having reached the Champions League Two semi-finals, Sydney FC should have won the competition as Japanese club Sanfreece Hiroshima and South Korean outfit Jeonbuk Motors had been knocked out in the quarter-finals.
However, a poor display in the first-leg of their semi-final against Lion City Sailors in Singapore proved too much for the Sky Blues to overcome on Wednesday night at Allianz Stadium.
They won the second-leg but 1-0 lost the semi-final 2-1 on aggregate.
As a result the chance to secure more than $A3.9 million for winning the final went down the drain.
Even losing the final would have led to Sydney banking a cheque for $A1.5 million.
A-League clubs cannot sustain their current level of spending, hence the reason for the APL introducing a “hard cap” ahead of another revamp the following season when the amount clubs can spend on players will be determined by their revenue.
The financial problems all stem from what is viewed by some as the worst broadcast deal in the A-League’s history, signed off by the previous regime.
But there is also a view that some of the clubs need saving from themselves when it comes to finances and ensuring the future of the league. And there are plenty of positive signs for the league moving forward with APL boss Stephen Conroy confirming crowds in general were up, along with viewer numbers on broadcasters 10 Bold and Paramount.
But there is no doubting the pressure on the clubs financially – Sydney FC included, despite its standing as one of the A-League’s wealthiest franchises.
Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay had made a point in recent weeks that the Champions League Two was the club’s priority for not only the prestige of winning one of Asian football’s biggest club competitions, but also the riches that come with it.
And had they won it, the Sky Blues would have been back in Asia next season with a chance to again earn millions of dollars.
However, because of their semi-final exit and a patchy A-League season that has cost them any chance of topping the table or finishing second – which will be enough to play in the Champions League competition if Auckland FC win the Premier’s Plate – the Sydneysiders won’t have continental football in their schedule next season.
This season is by no means over for Sydney FC. Talay’s men can still play finals, and clinch the championship by winning the grand final.
“We have the A-League and the boys will have to shift their focus,” Talay said.
“We have three important games and we must cement ourselves in the top six, we have a game against Newcastle on Sunday and we go from there.”
However, championship success won’t secure the Sky Blues Asian football next season, nor anything significant financially.
Still, it’s a trophy, and if Sydney can’t secure any silverware this season, the club’s 2024-25 campaign will be considered a major disappointment considering the hype that surrounded a Sky Blues squad containing the likes of Brazilian superstar Douglas Costa, English winger Joe Lolley and Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres.
Super Saturday Night
A bumper Saturday night awaits A-League fans with two of the biggest games of the season taking place.
Fifth-placed Melbourne Victory cannot only help their own premiership chances but also those of Melbourne City, Western United and Western Sydney Wanderers by beating first-placed Auckland FC in the 5pm clash at AAMI Park.
The Black Knights have had a remarkable debut A-League season and remain favoured to clinch the premiership.
But they remain within reach of the chasing pack, and Victory win this weekend will definitely throw a cat among the pigeons.
It would also add to the importance of Saturday’s 7.30pm game between the Wanderers and Melbourne City at CommBank Stadium.
City is currently four points adrift of Auckland, but will have the chance to reduce that deficit to just one point if the Victory can beat the Black Knights.
And that’s not forgetting the fourth-placed Wanderers, who can’t afford a loss to City if they want to secure a top-two spot.
As previously mentioned, second place on the ladder will carry the extra carat of a place in next season’s AFC Champions League Elite competition if Auckland win the Premier’s Plate because the Black Knights can’t play in an AFC competition as they are from New Zealand, which is a part of the Oceania Football Confederation.
Therefore, there is a whole lot to play for on Saturday night.
Reds must lift for Isaias
Let’s hope Adelaide United can lift on Friday for the Reds’ Spanish legend Isaias Sanchez, who is poised to set a new record for most appearances for the South Australian club.
Should Isaias get on the park at Coopers Stadium against Wellington Phoenix, it will be his 286th appearance for the Reds, surpassing the mark set by former Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.
If the Reds need any extra motivation to get their season back on track after a poor run of results, it should be to ensure Isaias’ celebration isn’t soured by another loss.
It’s the least the 38-year-old veteran deserves after stellar service to the club over two stints.
Remainder of A-League Round 27
FRIDAY
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix
Coopers Stadium, 7.05pm (local), 7.35pm (AEST)
SATURDAY
Melbourne Victory v Auckland FC
AAMI Park, 5pm (AEST)
Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City
CommBank Stadium, 7.35pm (AEST)
SUNDAY
Sydney FC v Newcastle FC
Allianz Stadium, 3pm (AEST)
Central Coast Mariners v Macarthur FC
Industree Group Stadium, 5pm (AEST)
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