SYDNEY, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two more clubs will be included in Australia's top flight football division, with Football Federation Australia (FFA) announcing on Thursday the current 10 team competition will expand to 12.
With a host of applicants from right across the country and a lengthy selection process, Western Melbourne, who will enter in the 2019/20 season, and Macarthur South West Sydney, who will compete the following year in the 2020/21 season, were eventually chosen as the most viable bids.
"We have seen unprecedented interest from bids to be part of the A-League and we are excited about our two new expansion clubs in Sydney and Melbourne," FFA Chairman Chris Nikou said in a statement.
"An expanded A-League will connect new communities in our two biggest markets, create new rivalries, bigger television audiences, more derbies and importantly, further opportunities for Australian footballers to play at the highest level in this country."
Considered to be among the two biggest growth corridors in Australia, Nikou added that "one of the key factors in our decision was the long-term growth opportunity for each club in each new geography."
Standing out during the bidding process, the Western Melbourne proposal came with the promise to build Australia's first ever "football-owned and football-specific stadium in the country."
"There were very attractive aspects to each of the bids, but the prospect of a facility owned by football for football will be a significant new milestone for the game in Australia," FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop said.
"Football-specific stadia have been extremely successful in league expansion in other parts of the world and we are excited by the prospect of such a facility in Melbourne."
While unable to match the facilities of some of the other bidders Macarthur South West Sydney is a team that already competes in Australia's National Premier League, representing more 50 grassroots football clubs with a large and culturally diverse population.
"Macarthur South West is a region with a rich football history that when blended with a fast-growing demography creates an exciting future for the game," Gallop said.
"Both of the new teams will start their life in the A-League in grounds that will to allow us and our broadcast partners to present the league in the best possible way and at high quality venues."
