Football
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Second Brisbane A-League team a huge possibility with backers in place

A consortium is in place that is prepared to bankroll a second A-League team in Brisbane, according to Miron Bleiberg.

The former coach of the Brisbane Roar and the now-defunct Gold Coast United, Bleiberg says he is part of a group that is serious about backing another franchise in south-east Queensland and is ready to act, now that expansion is firmly back on the A-League agenda.

"I'm not authorised to speak on their behalf, but I can tell you there is movement," Bleiberg said.

"There is a group of local people, they are capable, they have the money, most importantly they love the game, and they are ready."

Bleiberg would not divulge the identities of those involved or if they are attached to an existing bid group or region of the city.

However Bleiberg declared in August his support for a second A-League team in Brisbane in the belief that competition would force Brisbane Roar, who have been crippled by a string of off-field issues over the past two years, to clean up their act.

Bleiberg, who is independently wealthy outside of football, even claimed he would be happy to contribute to the cause himself.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) last week declared expansion was now a priority and is seen as the best method of getting more out of the next broadcast deal, due to kick in for the 2017-18 season.

No timeframes have been set, but it's anticipated two new franchises based in larger metropolitan markets will be added over the next two or three seasons to make the A-League a 12-team competition.

The question is whether FFA believes a second Brisbane team would cannibalise support for the Roar or if it would invigorate the local market to the same extent seen in Sydney and Melbourne, where derbies have become a key part of the football calendar.

Bleiberg suspects there are enough lapsed Roar supporters, or football fans who never jumped on board to begin with, to make it a success.

"It will be beneficial for both parties. You have a derby, at least 30,000 at Suncorp, more media interest, more fans, and more chances for local players," he said.

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