Opposite Skylight – Australia: D2 in 2025

Initially planned for March/April 2024, the second segment will be launched in March/April 2025, a time when “logistical, regulatory and operational aspects will be finalised”.

The Australian second division program, the national second tier, is moving forward. This week, the Football Association of Australia (FA) announced the conclusion of Phase 3 of the program (the assessment and review phase) ” Very high quality ” and announced the postponement of the start of the competition to March/April 2025, a year later than originally planned, according to a statement from James Johnson. Allow sufficient time for all stakeholders to finalize not only the structure of the competition but also to finalize all logistical, regulatory and operational aspects to ensure the success of the opening ceremony of the competition. In addition, this adjustment provides clarity to member confederations regarding their competition structures in 2024 “. The postponement will allow the federation to finalize its league broadcast deal, which could be part of a package including the rights to the Socceroos, Matildas and Australia Cup. This extra fortnight will allow clubs selected for future NSTs to find sponsors and adjust to logistical and organizational constraints.

This announcement thus concludes Phase 3, which is dedicated to the selection of the most viable proposals and capable of guaranteeing the future of Australian football. Since then, rumors have been rife about the selected candidates, who have been contacted. Rumors of naming some clubs this way Sydney Olympics, South Melbourne, Marconi, Preston Lionsand semi-finalistsAustralian Cup Melbourne Knights. At the end of the ongoing Phase 4, the final casting call will be announced on November 20, which corresponds to the finalization of essential participation documents and other necessary requirements for the upcoming new competition.

As a reminder, the creation of the second division was based on a desire to attract clubs with a deep connection and proven history with soccer in Australia.

• To establish a new national level of football between the A-League men and the National Premier Leagues (state championships), promotion and relegation will be considered as they mature.
• A championship with round-trip stages and finals between ten and sixteen teams and twenty-one and thirty-six matches.
• to guarantee professional contracts to all players, with a fixed minimum number of weeks paid per year; “External” operations managed by salaried employees for twelve months of the year; Investment and implementation of a comprehensive talent development department within the club structure; and access to quality match day facilities, twelve months a year.

Antoine Blanchet-Guerin

Lucarne specializes in Australian, New Zealand and Oceanian football for Opposée.