(Reuters) – Former Australia international Robbie Slater has criticized the A-League’s decision to change how it ranks teams with level points, calling it “ridiculous and absurd” after a technical error led to confusion about the clubs’ positions on the table. Most soccer leagues use goal difference to separate tied teams, but the A-League now prioritizes the number of wins.
When Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix were level on 12 points, Melbourne Victory was listed in the top spot on the A-League’s website due to their superior goal difference, despite Wellington Phoenix having one more win. A fan’s post on Twitter pointed out the discrepancy, prompting the league to update the table on its website.
In a statement, the A-league said the rule change had been communicated to clubs in the off-season and was made to “encourage more attacking football and to increase the number of matches that matter through the season.” The league also acknowledged a technical error, which has now been rectified, that led to the incorrect table standings on the website for the start of the 2023-24 season.
Former professional player Robbie Slater expressed his disagreement with the A-League’s decision, stating that there was no reason for the league to change the rule. He emphasized the importance of sticking to what the rest of the world is doing, as there is a good reason for it. Slater also criticized the league’s decision to “muck around” with a system that is not broken.
The A-League’s decision has caused controversy and confusion, with many questioning the need for such a change in ranking rules. The league’s attempt to encourage more attacking football has resulted in unintended consequences and raised concerns among fans and former players.
The technical error and subsequent confusion highlight the need for clear communication and transparency in the implementation of rule changes. The A-League’s failure to accurately reflect the standings on its website has led to criticism and a loss of trust from fans and observers of the league.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for sports leagues considering changes to their ranking systems. The backlash from fans and former players demonstrates the importance of thorough consideration and consultation before implementing significant rule changes that impact the integrity and clarity of the league standings.
The A-League’s decision to prioritize the number of wins over goal difference deviates from the norm in soccer leagues around the world, raising questions about the motivation behind the change and its potential impact on the competitiveness and fairness of the competition.
As the A-League addresses the fallout from this incident, it is crucial for the league to reestablish trust and clarity in its ranking system and communicate any future changes effectively to avoid similar confusion and controversy.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
