Nathan Tinkler in $25 million offer to A-League

Mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has offered $25 million to prop up or even help take over the struggling A-League.

Although Tinkler's offer to help fund the league was initially rejected, Tinkler Sports Group Chief Executive Troy Palmer has said this week that the offer remains.

Tinkler, who owns the Newcastle Jets, has proposed several models from short-term funding to full privatisation of the competition, and approached Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman Frank Lowy with the offer in December last year.

Palmer told the Sydney Morning Herald "nothing is closed but we haven't had any discussions since then.

"It was all about investing in and securing the future of the A-League. It could have taken a number of formats - short-term funding right through to privatisation and setting the A-League up as an independent business.

"The money could have been used to help set up and fund the West Sydney franchise or save North Queensland Fury. We never walked away. It was decided that it wasn't in the best interest of the FFA and the A-League."

In an interview in the Herald on Saturday, Lowy, who was integral to the formation of the A-League and intends to stand for his third and final four-year term as chairman, confirmed the Tinkler approach but said the A-League "will not be able to support itself without the FFA".

A-League clubs lost a reported $25 million last season while crowds and television ratings have declined. In this climate the FFA ended its backing for the North Queensland Fury while it still operates and funds champions Brisbane Roar.

The Herald suggest that running and the A-League as an independent business would require more than $25 million. Apart from financing the Roar, FFA provides each club with a $1.25 million annual grant and helps cover airfares, marketing and administration costs.

Palmer said the $25 million "was a number (the FFA) provided that the league would need to keep on expanding and secure the other clubs".

FFA has been criticised for taking its eye off the A-League during the failed bid for the 2022 World Cup.

Tinkler took over the Jets A-League licence from Con Constantine, who was unable to pay player wages, eight months ago. He has since succeeded in a $100 million takeover of Newcastle's NRL club, the Knights.

Palmer said the approach to the FFA was made in the interest of making the league stronger, adding "we weren't in conflict with the A-League. We just said, 'Is there a better model?'

"Obviously there are still some issues with the A-League, some clubs are struggling. We believe Australia needs and can have a very strong domestic competition, and see it as a responsibility to help the FFA if we can.

"Through our expertise and relationships in the business world, maybe we could help the A-League come up with better restructuring, and that could be some underwriting deal or privatisation.

"Our proposal was to help the FFA and the A-League management team to ensure it is a success. We have invested in the A-League, and need 10 or 12 good strong clubs, getting good crowds and being financially viable."

The Federal Government last month announced it would be holding a review of football, which will include the A-League, with a view to increasing its financial viability.