Football Australia looked into SELLING the Matildas, Socceroos and A-Leagues just three years ago – and considered making a shocking move with TV rights

Football Australia explored the possibility of selling the Matildas, Socceroos and the A-Leagues to a private equity firm just three years ago.

The proposed deal was for 99 years – and would also have done away with the current TV broadcast deal, with fans instead getting a direct streaming service for $25 a month.

Ultimately it was felt that the commercial risk was too high to continue.

Another part of the deal would have involved in commercializing the data of all Australian football participants – including children as young as four – in a move that is said to have raised privacy concerns.

In late 2020, Football Australia considered the equity firm’s bold approach, which, if successful, would have ensured they controlled the code’s key assets.

The proposed deal was for 99 years – and would also have done away with the current TV broadcast deal, with fans instead offering a direct streaming service for $25 a month (Socceroos defender Kye Rowles appears to tackle Lionel Messi in photo)

This includes domestic and international broadcast rights, sponsorship fees, merchandise and ticket sales for the Matildas, Socceroos, the A-Leagues, youth leagues and e-sports competitions.

The FA and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) would have held a majority stake in the new legal entity, with a minority stake sold to a new investor. The FA and the APL would each have had a 50 percent majority stake The guard.

It was suggested that an external investor, possibly a sports marketing group, would then have bought into the entity and offered digital, technology and media expertise.

The expected profits – amounting to $150 million – would ultimately be returned to the FA and the APL, as well as to investors.

Although the proposal was not implemented, it is said to be at an advanced stage.

A major stumbling block was the commercialization of participant data.

It outlined that the “control of community digital assets is politically sensitive” and would face opposition, particularly around privacy issues, from the estimated 1.5 million Australians involved in the sport. players, coaches, volunteers or referees.

Another part of the deal would have involved commercializing the data of all Australian football participants – including children as young as four – in a move that would have resulted in privacy concerns.

A Football Australia spokesperson said it was important to explore commercial revenue opportunities, but the code is now in a ‘robust financial position’ (pictured, Matildas young gun Mary Fowler)

An FA spokesperson said: ‘The consideration of a special purpose vehicle and other different models and commercial initiatives was part of Football Australia’s proactive strategy to think outside the box and consider various proposals to rejuvenate the business during a financially challenging period. during the Covid-19 crisis.

“At that time, concerns about Football Australia’s financial position were widespread.

“The primary goal was to explore numerous ways to increase commercial revenue for the game.”

The spokesperson added that any use of participant data would be done with “extreme” caution.

“Football Australia has considered the privacy implications of commercializing participant data, which was an influential factor in the proposal not progressing,” FA said.

“It is of the utmost importance to us to ensure the privacy and security of all individuals within the Australian football community, especially our younger participants.”

The spokesperson also stated that ‘as a testament to our strategic decisions and the collective efforts of the football community, Football Australia is currently in the most robust financial position it has ever been in.’

It is understood the radical proposal did not receive support from a majority of the FA board.

The proposal was believed to have been supported by FA board members aligned with the APL.