Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Paul Williams

Revamped Asian Champions League offers A-League clubs a $100m opportunity

Central Coast Mariners players celebrate winning the AFC Cup.
Central Coast Mariners won the AFC Cup earlier this year and will play in next season’s Asian Champions League. Photograph: Haitham Al-Shukairi/AFP/Getty Images

Ten years ago – the last time Central Coast Mariners played in the Asian Champions League – then owner Mike Charlesworth was forced to deny reports that his club were looking to withdraw, such was the financial strain of participating in a competition that offered such paltry monetary rewards.

Also a decade ago, Western Sydney Wanderers secured the ACL title in what remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of Australian sport.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.