National 2nd division.

[Stuartmcateer]

Subject to meeting compliance requirements, the 2025 Men’s Premier from their respective NPL competition shall be eligible to represent the Member Federation in the Australian Championship.

In the case that a Foundation Club finishes as the 2025 NPL Men’s Premier, or the club that finishes as Premier fails to comply with compliance requirements, the slot shall be awarded to the next-highest placed non-Foundation Club.


So if Apia, Olympic, Marconi, Croatia and Wollongong are the top 5, the 6th team in NSW NPL (or lower) will qualify - pending meeting compliance.

Recycled NPL play off really. Just with a little gloss.

 

[Corsair]

Football Australia unveils the "Australian Championship"

Following the confirmation of the

www.footballaustralia.com.au

No expense was spared on the name.

No expense was made on the name

 

[Tassiemariner]

Or the Logo...

I've always had a soft spot for the NPL Finals Series, so an expanded version of that is fine with me

 

[Hello Sailor]

If there is no promotion or relegation with the A League, how is this "National Second Tier" any different from the existing NPL comp?

 

[Corsair]

If there is no promotion or relegation with the A League, how is this "National Second Tier" any different from the existing NPL comp?

Wasn't the plan to run it for 1 or 2 seasons and then introduce relegation?

 

[Hello Sailor]

Wasn't the plan to run it for 1 or 2 seasons and then introduce relegation?

Thanks Corsair, I hope that happens.

 

[Drew]

Wasn't the plan to run it for 1 or 2 seasons and then introduce relegation?

Would actually have to be a proper home and away season seperate from the npl first before that was to happen, which I can’t see happening in the next few years

 

[Corsair]

Thanks Corsair, I hope that happens.

Year or two might be optimistic...

"Once the second division has “matured”, promotion and relegation between the second-tier competition and the A-League will be “considered” by FA."

 

[FFC Mariner]

Year or two might be optimistic...

"Once the second division has “matured”, promotion and relegation between the second-tier competition and the A-League will be “considered” by FA."

AFC are really keen that we have pro/rel. Personally I'd have regional leagues under the AL and a relegation playoff
Long way off yet

 

[pjennings]

The 2026 version is supposed to be a home and away with around 14 teams. P & R with the NPL will occur first. Then at a later date - some years away P & R with the ALM.

Nothing came out today that wasn't known. The ALM media deal is up for renegotiation at the end of this season, probably already talking.

Do the FA help in negotiations and combine the ALM and Championship with the current Socceroos and Matildas deal with 10 Play and P+?

 

[Archie]

I think it’s just important that they get the ball rolling with the second division before they include PR and a proper home and away system which should hopefully come in a few years.