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FFA chief James Johnson is seeking to introduce a transfer system into Australian football.Credit:Getty Images

However,one of the more immediate changes that could arise from Thursday's announcement is the introduction of an Australian transfer system that could allow clubs to buy and sell players like the rest of the world. Since the start of the A-League in 2005,clubs have been forbidden to buy and sell players from one another while there is a cap on transfers from NPL clubs to the A-League of $10,000.

FFA chief James Johnson says the lack of a transfer system has lead to the Australian game missing out on revenue that is available to every other club around the world.

"There would be millions of dollars that have been lost to the game simply because we don't understand how the system works. There have been players moved overseas,transfer fees or training compensation fees not coming back in,"he said.

Sydney FC collected more than $1 million for the sale of Adrian Mierzejewski to Changchun Yatai in 2018.Credit:Wolter Peeters

Johnson will spend the next month consulting with clubs and players about the proposal of a transfer system before building the framework for an Australian player market.

"When you have a transfer system that's going to be affected you want both sides to buy into this and you constantly try to find a healthy balance between the clubs ability to stop a player moving and on the other hand a players ability to move freely,"he said."That's part of the discussion we have to have. There are already minimum requirements from FIFA that have to be implemented."

The A-League will likely move towards winter to align itself with what Johnson says is the core of the game's strength;it's participation base. There is scope for a national second division but the chances of that leading to a traditional European-style promotion and relegation system based on performance remain a long shot. However,FFA will open the discussion for performance and other metrics to lead to second tier clubs being part of expansion or the possibility of on-field and off-field results judged for future promotion.

"What we want to do is go back to what's important and what's important is that you need to create - in a meaningful way - recognition for clubs in the pyramid,if they perform well on and off the pitch,"Johnson said."That could be,for example,some kind of criteria in an expansion process that focuses on sporting achievements."

FFA's 11 principles for the next 15 years

Build a consistent and strong identity for Australian football which inspires all Australians.
Develop a new narrative for football which signifies a fresh start for the game in Australia
Establish an integrated and thriving football ecosystem driven by a modern domestic transfer system.
Create a dynamic and engaging football product by optimising competition structures to connect Australian football.
Create a world class environment for youth development/production by increasing match minutes for youth players and streamlining the player pathway.
Create a strong culture around coach development by emphasising the importance of the role as a skilled position and a vital link in player development.
Transition towards a modern,fit-for-purpose governance framework for football in Australia in line with global standards and best-practice sports governance in Australia.
Create an operating and governance model for the A-League,W-League and Y-League which is fit for the current circumstances.
Ensure that football becomes more open and accessible to the Australian community and that cost does not remain a barrier to participation.
Continue the growth of the game by driving participation of women and girls and enhancing existing competition structures to promote player development.
Position the Matildas and the Socceroos as the unifying symbols of the game and heroes who epitomise the Australian football identity to inspire every young Australian regardless of their ability or background.

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