New Era for A-League: Goal Difference Takes Center Stage
As the 2024-25 season kicks off this Friday, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has announced a significant change to the league’s tiebreaker system. After a brief experiment, the A-League Men and A-League Women are ditching the wins-based system and reverting to goal difference as the primary decider.
A Quiet Introduction, A Loud Reaction
Last season, the APL quietly introduced the wins-based system, catching fans, clubs, media, and even administrators off guard. It took an eagle-eyed Wellington supporter to bring attention to the change, which was met with widespread criticism. The league’s website continued to use goal difference, adding to the confusion.
Back to the Future
After a post-season review involving stakeholders such as Football Australia, the PFA, and fan representatives, the APL has decided to return to the previous system. Goal difference will once again take precedence, followed by goals scored, and then wins. This change marks a return to familiarity for fans and clubs alike.
Concussion Principles Get an Upgrade
In another significant development, the A-League will adopt new concussion principles from IFAB. Teams will now be allowed one dedicated concussion substitution, regardless of the number of changes made. In the A-League Women, a concussion substitute can be a player who has previously exited the game if their side has exhausted their available bench players.
Cooling Breaks Get a Makeover
Match commissioners will now have the discretion to extend cooling breaks from 90 to 180 seconds. Players will also be allowed to leave the pitch during these stoppages to cool off. The summer period, where most games kick off before 5 pm, has been extended to run from early December to the end of March.
VAR: A Work in Progress
While VAR will continue to be used in the A-League Men, it remains absent from the A-League Women. The league has indicated that the technology’s implementation will remain a topic of discussion in future seasons.
As the new season gets underway, fans can expect a more familiar and exciting experience. With goal difference back at the forefront, teams will need to be more strategic than ever to climb the ladder. Buckle up, A-League fans – it’s going to be a wild ride!
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