Hyuk Su Seo, Queensland Roar foundation player © Getty Images
The PFA has reiterated its support for the proposed increase in the maximum permitted number of foreign players from 4 to 5 per A-League club, recognising that potentially larger roster sizes and expansion of the league will result in a greater need for international players as the available pool of Australian players may not be sufficiently deep. Recruiting of international players should be done in a manner that adds genuine quality to the local competition. PFA analysis suggests that, to date, the majority of foreign players have made a meaningful contribution to the A-League although there is a need for some A-League clubs to improve recruitment and induction programs.
The increase in the number of permitted foreign players has two other benefits: (1) it allows Australia to advocate a position consistent with FIFA’s proposed 6 + 5 rule (something we would like to see the Asian Football Confederation adopt); and (2) as shown in the following table, it does not prevent a substantial increase in the number of opportunities available to Australian players.
| 2008/2009 | 2009/2010 | 2010/2011 | |
| Max Players/Club Roster | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Max Foreign Players/Club | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Number of Clubs | 8 | 10 | 12 |
| Max Players | 184 | 230 | 276 |
| Min Australian Players | 152 | 180 | 216 |
| Max Australian Players | 184 | 230 | 276 |
| Max Total Foreign Players | 32 | 50 | 60 |
| % Increase Min Aust Players Previous Season | n/a | 18.42% | 20% |
| % Increase Min Aust Players 2008/2009 | n/a | n/a | 42.11% |
| Min % Australian Players | 82.61% | 78.25% | 78.25% |
| Max % Foreign/Australian Players | 17.39% | 21.74% | 21.74% |
