The depth of Australia's goalkeeping stocks has plummeted to such a low base that A-League clubs have been asked by Football Federation Australia not to sign any foreign goalkeepers.
It has prompted discussion between FFA and the operators of the A-League to change regulations of the visa-player rule to allow for more opportunities for Australian goalkeepers to develop.It was suggested the current quota of five visa players at each club be reserved for outfield players, requiring all goalkeepers in the A-League to carry an Australian passport. However, according to FFA sources, that proposal was quickly rejected by the A-League.
Western Sydney Wanderers brought Swiss goalkeeper Daniel Lopar to the club season while newcomers Western United signed Filip Kurto from Poland. New Zealand international Glen Moss is between the posts of Newcastle Jets, his compatriot Max Crocombe is starting for Brisbane Roar while Wellington Phoenix have All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic wearing the No.1 jersey for them.
There are few Australians playing regularly overseas, with two of the most notable being Brad Jones, 37, and 26-year-old Jack Duncan, who are both starting in the Saudi Arabian Professional League, while Adam Federici, 34, has made several appearances for Stoke in the Championship.
They come in and take our jobs, women, penalties...
maybe they should spend more effort in development of goalkeepers instead of looking for a scapegoat.
Half the Socceroo team is foreigners
without foreigners of some sort there'd be no Socceroos