Lampard Reveals Interest in A-League Stint, Welcomes New Rule Changes

Strategic Insights -

Frank Lampard said he was interested in joining Melbourne City on a short-term loan last season, but the move was ultimately scuttled by Football Federation Australia's rule changes regarding loan deals and the salary cap. The 36-year-old midfielder, who has since joined Manchester City on a short-term deal, revealed that "people above me here" were exploring the possibility of an A-League stint to help him stay fit until the start of his time with New York City FC. Lampard praised the quality of the A-League and expressed enthusiasm for the potential of guest players like himself and David Villa.

Key Takeaways:

  • Frank Lampard was interested in joining Melbourne City on a short-term loan last season.
  • The move was scuttled by Football Federation Australia's rule changes regarding loan deals and the salary cap.
  • Lampard revealed that "people above me here" were exploring the possibility of an A-League stint to help him stay fit until the start of his time with New York City FC.
  • The proposed loan deal would have seen Lampard's wages counted outside of the salary cap on a pro-rata basis, but FFA's rule shift after the end of last season made accommodation difficult for Melbourne City.
  • Lampard praised the quality of the A-League and expressed enthusiasm for the potential of guest players like himself and David Villa.
  • Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini offered Lampard a short-term deal to play for the English Premier League champion until the end of the current season.
  • David Villa played for Melbourne City on a guest player deal last season, playing just four games and having his wages counted outside of the salary cap.

Statistics:

  • 36: Lampard's age at the time of the proposed loan deal.
  • $2.55m: The A-League's salary cap, which would have included those of guest players like Lampard and Villa on a pro-rata basis.
  • 4: The number of games played by David Villa for Melbourne City last season.
  • 10: The maximum number of games Villa could have played as a guest player last season, without affecting the salary cap.
  • 1: The number of permitted guest players Melbourne City could have on the roster at any given time.

Sources:

  • News Corp, August 2022, "Melbourne City planning to bring Frank Lampard to A-League on loan"
  • Football Federation Australia, "A-League Salary Cap and Player Movement Rules"