All 10 Hyundai A-League clubs are currently allowed to have five foreign players on their books, although the plan is to cut that figure to four.
The hope of seeing more opportunities for young Australian players is the motive behind the push to reduce visa positions.
But the move isn’t supported by some of the competition’s coaches, who argue the move would be detrimental to the competition.
“I think it’s a bad idea. I understand that not everyone can get high-profile foreigners, but we also have to deal with the dates of the different national teams that don’t work in line with the A-League,’’ Melbourne City FC coach John van’t Schip told the Herald Sun newspaper.
“So the moment that it goes back to less foreigners, you have to get more Australian players and then you have selection problems with national teams.”
Brisbane Roar FC coach Mike Mulvey added: “I’m yet to hear an argument that really satisfies the need to reduce the number of foreigners.
“At the moment it’s a proven formula. To make any changes you need to make a convincing argument as to why you should change it.
“At the moment all the A-League teams are being smashed anyway with young Australian players because young players are being whisked off to qualification tournaments and tournaments throughout Asia throughout the A-League season.”
A final decision on the matter is expected next month.
The hope of seeing more opportunities for young Australian players is the motive behind the push to reduce visa positions.
But the move isn’t supported by some of the competition’s coaches, who argue the move would be detrimental to the competition.
“I think it’s a bad idea. I understand that not everyone can get high-profile foreigners, but we also have to deal with the dates of the different national teams that don’t work in line with the A-League,’’ Melbourne City FC coach John van’t Schip told the Herald Sun newspaper.
“So the moment that it goes back to less foreigners, you have to get more Australian players and then you have selection problems with national teams.”
Brisbane Roar FC coach Mike Mulvey added: “I’m yet to hear an argument that really satisfies the need to reduce the number of foreigners.
“At the moment it’s a proven formula. To make any changes you need to make a convincing argument as to why you should change it.
“At the moment all the A-League teams are being smashed anyway with young Australian players because young players are being whisked off to qualification tournaments and tournaments throughout Asia throughout the A-League season.”
A final decision on the matter is expected next month.