Former Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore has been named special advisor to the A-League's clubs and the competition's boss Greg O'Rourke, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

Scudamore played a key role in turning the Premier League into a commercial powerhouse, making it the most-watched sport league globally and increasing its revenues from UK£148 million (US$191 million) in 1997/98 to UK£3.2 billion (US$4.1 billion) for the 2019/20 season.

The 60-year-old's appointment has been seen as a coup for the A-League, Australian soccer's elite soccer competition, as it transitions away from the control of Football Federation Australia (FFA) and towards an independent club-run structure, similar to that of the Premier League.

The legal separation is expected to be finalised imminently, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

In his new role, Scudamore will be available on call at any time to the Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA), the A-League teams' umbrella body, and O'Rourke. He will also make several visits to Australia and attend strategic planning meetings, workshops, visit clubs and watch A-League matches. His first visit has apparently been penciled in for next month.

O'Rourke said: "[Scudamore's] unrivalled expertise and experience will be important as we build an organisation and competitions worthy of the Australian game and the communities and commercial partners who support them."

Paul Lederer, chairman of the APFCA, added: "His leadership of the English Premier League saw the organisation become renowned for its commercial success as well as its contribution to other leagues and communities.

"That's obviously something we are committed to replicating for Australia's professional leagues organisation.

"The appointment is indicative of our wish to be decisive and effective in every possible way as we work with stakeholders to fast-track the evolution of all aspects of Australia's professional game."