Former EPL boss Richard Scudamore to help A-League

THE businessman who helped propel the English Premier League’s growth into a multibillion-dollar global giant is to advise the A-League clubs as they step into an independent future. Former EPL CEO and executive chairman Richard Scudamore will become a consultant to the clubs and A-League boss Greg O’Rourke 11 months after he retired from the EPL following a long spell of unprecedented commercial growth. Scudamore’s appointment was immediately hailed by the clubs as indicative of their intentions to revolutionise the A-League’s place in the Australian sporting landscape, after several years of declining ratings and crowds. Described as a consummate diplomat who kept the EPL’s rich owners in harmony for two decades, Scudamore oversaw an increase in commercial revenue for the EPL to a figure of some $6bn as the competition became one of the most watched in the world. Much of that was built on lucrative global broadcast deals, but Scudamore oversaw the whole of the EPL’s strategy and operations. With the A-League close to a full transition to independence after 15 years in the control of Football Federation Australia, the clubs said Scudamore would provide “ongoing strategic counsel and tactical input” to them and A-League head Greg O’Rourke during a series of visits beginning next month. “His leadership of the English Premier League saw the organisation become renowned for its commercial success as well as its contribution to other leagues and communities,” said Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer, the head of the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA). “That’s obviously something we are committed to replicating for Australia’s professional leagues organisation.” Though the legal separation from FFA is not quite complete the clubs have effectively been running the competition since the start of August after winning a long battle for control of the A-League. There have been promises of hundreds of millions of dollars in investment from the owners to address the leagues stagnation, though the impact has so far been largely confined to a youth-focused and well-received marketing launch. MORE NEWS “I am obviously delighted to be involved at such an important and exciting time for the professional game in Australia,” Scudamore said. “The strategic planning that has taken place is impressive and I believe I can very much help build on that work. The Australian game has so much potential for growth and global resonance. There is clearly the necessary commitment from the clubs to realise that potential as quickly as possible.”