A-League completes its separation from Football Australia. Here’s what that means

After years of negotiation, the A-League and W-League clubs are stepping out on their own.

The recently rebranded Football Australia has relinquished full control over the professional football competitions it has run since its foundation in 2005, handing over the commercial reins to the 12 A-League clubs.

It’s a move that will bring the game into line with major competitions around the world, and club bosses say the “handbrake is off” and they are ready to take advantage.

Here’s what it means for the clubs and their fans.

How will it work?

Defined as an “unbundling” in the New Year’s Eve announcement, the A-League, W-League and the Y-League will be run by a new board called the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

The APL will be given…