The chances of an independent A-League kicking off by the start of next season appear to be lengthening as argument and major philosophical differences expose the cracks between the game's major stakeholders. "Who is to say that the clubs, acting independently, will run the game any better than the FFA? It is also understood that the state federations have reservations about Wellington Phoenix's continued presence in the league: the New Zealanders have the right to be in the A-League until the end of next season, but no longer. The A-League clubs have responded positively to the Kiwis' interest in remaining as part of the top-tier Australian competition in the future. The issue of payment for the intellectual property of the club's brand names and logos is also a major sticking point.

Source: Stuff April 01, 2019 09:56 UTC