Socceroos greats push for Netflix-style 'FFA TV' streaming service

A host of golden generation Socceroos are proposing Football Federation Australia set up their own independent streaming platform for football content.

The lobby group - comprising several all-time Australia greats including Craig Moore, Mark Viduka and Lucas Neill - proposed the service as one idea to generate revenue for cash-strapped FFA, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

They say Australian football's current financial model does not work and is failing to capitalise on the sport's popularity.

The streaming service, called 'FFA TV' in their document would be included in all registrations to play at any level in the country - giving something back to players in expensive grassroots levels.

"It would be like football having its own Netflix with similar functionality," the document reportedly says.

"Ideally, this would also include the A-League, but if the A-League clubs pursue another alternative, we are of the view that model remains viable due to other assets - a national second division, the FFA Cup, national team matches, state league competitions, national youth championships.

"From the existing player registration money, a contribution of approximately $25 per person could be deployed to the in-house broadcaster to underwrite FFA TV.

"This could also be used to acquire the archives of the A-League, W-League, Socceroos, Matildas and the FFA Cup currently held by Fox Sports, as well as possibly the NSL held by Optus and the Seven Network.

"This is unlikely to be sufficient to cover start-up costs in full, but it would be a strong basis for a partnership with an external third party.

"Alternatively, state federations may wish to contribute to underwriting the establishment of FFA TV from their reserves."

Everything will depend on FFA's relationship with current broadcast partner Fox Sports moving forward.

The two parties look likely to split, with Fox Sports seeking to slash its $57 million per year funding commitment to the A-League by 50 percent or more, as parent company Foxtel fights for survival.