Zola keen on guest spell with Sydney
Michael Cockerill
October 30, 2006
BENITO Carbone may fancy a return to Sydney FC, but he could get trumped by one of Italy's all-time greats, Gianfranco Zola.
The 40-year-old former
Chelsea star is contemplating a pre-Christmas guest period in Australia, and, while both Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory are in the market, it is believed Zola's personal preference is to play for Sydney. While Zola has not played competitively for more than 12 months since helping his hometown club, Cagliari, settle back into life in the Serie A, there is little doubt he would be a massive attraction.
If Carbone's brief spell whetted the appetite of Sydney's Italian community, Zola's presence would send Norton Street into apoplexy. Once the protege of Diego Maradona at Napoli, Zola is regarded as one of the most creative and skilful players Italy has produced.
Even at the age of 39, when he last played at professional level, Zola still had a major influence on the pitch. It is believed he has stayed in shape and now likes the idea of a brief summer sojourn in Australia.
Not only would Zola prefer to play for Sydney, but one of his major sponsors is keen to have him play in Australia's largest city. Whether the deal can be finalised in time for Sydney's three successive home games next month remains to be seen. It is believed Zola's representatives were working last night on a presentation to be put before Sydney FC this week.
Meanwhile, the chances of a Wollongong-based team joining the A-League as soon as 2007 will be determined by the end-of-season review of the struggling New Zealand Knights. It is believed the ongoing problems of the Knights - compounded by last week's decision to appoint an English football director - are starting to test the patience of the FFA, which for the first time is seriously considering the possibility of dropping the Knights from the league.
The Knights would have their license revoked, however, only if there was another franchise ready to replace them. At this stage, bids are being assembled by Townsville, Gold Coast, Canberra and Wollongong.
It is believed the FFA has targeted 2008-09 to add two extra teams to the competition - but if New Zealand drop out, a new team would be needed next season. Sources suggest Wollongong's bid is the furthest advanced, with the consortium hoping to meet billionaire businessman Bruce Gordon, who owns the WIN Corporation, next month to gauge whether he is prepared to be the major backer.
In other news, an Asian Football Confederation executive meeting on November 20 will decide on Australia's nomination process for the 2007 Asian
Champions League. The AFC has ruled that because of draw procedures, the two spots will be filled by last season's champions [Sydney FC] and minor premiers [Adelaide United], but the FFA wants this season's results to count. An insider described the FFA's chances of overturning the ruling as "50/50".
