Macarthur bosses Sam Krslovic and Gino Marra met with FFA chief executive James Johnson last week to discuss restructuring the scheduling and amount of future instalments on their $12 million participation agreement.
However, it’s believed they are not looking to renegotiate the actual cost of the license, for which they have so far paid $2 million.
The club - which boasts former Matildas mentor Ante Milicic as inaugural coach - were due to pay a second $3.5 million instalment on July 1, but didn’t meet the deadline.
That prompted a breach notice from FFA several days later - which has been seen by The World Game - reminding the Campbelltown-based Bulls of their financial obligations.
However, it’s understood that with the revenues expected when they were awarded the A-League’s 12th spot now much diminished, FFA is looking favourably on their requests and are likely to be amenable to setting up a de facto payment plan.
Bulls board member Sam Krslovic is optimistic that in an environment which has sliced Fox Sports’ annual investment in the game from $57 million to barely $30 million, a deal with FFA will be struck.
“We’ve been in positive discussions with FFA and we’re confident of coming to a conclusion that is mutually beneficial both parties,” Krslovic said on Thursday.
An A-League source close to the matter said: “With so many financial pressures existing around the game, and COVID-19 playing a huge part in that, Macarthur’s situation as a new club coming into a much changed environment has certainly changed.
“The financial certainties that seemed to be in place before just aren’t there now.”
It’s thought the structure and on-going timing of payments from Macarthur to FFA might be tied to how a new broadcast deal might look, with Fox Sports due to end their 15-year agreement with the game at the end of next season.
FFA were contacted for comment.
