LIVENEWS.COM.AU
By Dominic Brock
A-League grand finalists the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners are set to cash in on the “substantial” increase in prizemoney for for the Asian Champions League starting next year.
The finalists and champions in the A-League currently receive no prizemoney from the league itself – which instead spreads the proceeds from finals matches around all eight teams – but the top two teams do receive entry into the lucrative Champions League.
While Sydney FC and Adelaide United both lost money by taking part in last year’s Champions League, a new rights agreement has allowed the tournament to boost the financial rewards for next year’s competitors.
The Jets enter the competition as champions while the Central Coast booked a spot in the event after finishing the season as minor premiers.
Because the A-League grand final occurs after the annual cut-off for entry into the Champions League, last year’s minor premiers and champions Adelaide and Melbourne will enter this year’s tournament.
Football Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley has just returned from Kuala Lumpur, where the Asian Football Confederation’s pro-league committee devised the new Champions League format which will be announced in May.
Buckley described the financial boost for teams as being “very substantial”.
“The prizemoney is going to go up, and the travel subsidies for the clubs are going to go up,” Buckley told the Age.
“I would say at the very least clubs will be making a small profit from simply participating, and they could end up doing very well if they’re successful.”
The League is likely to expand from 28 teams to 32, with the Australian contingent possibly rising from two to four.
Article source http://www.livenews.com.au/Articles/2008/03/05/Jets_Mariners_to_reap_Champions_League_riches
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