The Dutchman last week declined to release teenage midfielders Louis D’Arrigo and Lachlan Brook for an underage training camp, but has lost promising young goalkeeper Daniel Marguš to Olyroos action in Qatar ahead of Friday’s competition kick-off against Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium.
He could forfeit up to five players for January’s Olympic Games qualifiers in Thailand and insists there is a contradiction at play in balancing the desire to lift the level of league with the demands of the national teams in a competition without FIFA breaks.
“There’s been so much talk about lifting the standard of the league because (rights holders) Fox Sports want extra quality but then decisions are made that ensure less quality,” said Verbeek.
“It’s strange that they want to have a lot of quality and create more interest in the competition, but if you have your best players not available then it’s hard.
“Not only for us but for Melbourne City (who have lost Jamie Maclaren to Socceroos duty) and for Sydney FC (who will be without Andrew Redmayne and Rhyan Grant on Friday).
“I don’t understand it," said Verbeek. "It’s a contradiction. The commercial side will be less if you have less quality.
“You have to ask yourself what’s good for the players and what’s good for the football in Australia?
“How can you attract the sponsors and interest you want when sometimes the best players are missing?”
The Reds could potentially be stripped of Riley McGree, George Blackwood, Marguš, Brook and D’Arrigo for nearly three weeks in January at the AFC Championships, with a spot in Tokyo on the line for the Olyroos.
“That might be a very difficult time for us and could affect the scheduling of matches,” he added.
Verbeek’s complaints have a familiar ring, with the Reds previously at forefront of club versus country conflicts with the FFA, who are working to help ensure the national teams are as competitive as possible.
In response to Verbeek’s complaints, a spokesman for the governing body said:
“FFA communicates its national team schedules to Hyundai A-League clubs well in advance and has strong support from many in the game regarding the selection of players for international duty.
“Qualification for the Olympics is a priority for football in Australia, and preparation for Asian qualifiers and tournaments is essential to achieving that target.”
“The reintroduction of FIFA windows for the Hyundai A-League next season will minimise future impacts on clubs, however international exposure at all levels unequivocally aids the development of players, creating a win-win situation for players, clubs, and Australia’s national teams.”
