April 19 – A-League clubs will be allowed to sign one additional high-profile Australian player, such as Brett Emerton (pictured), outside of the salary cap in a bid to boost the domestic game, it has been announced.
The current system permits clubs to sign one marquee player outside of the cap, which has led to former England international Robbie Fowler and ex-Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke playing in the league.
However, the new system, designed to bring back top Australian internationals who command high salaries at European clubs, will allow A-League teams to sign a second marquee player for the start of next season.
“There is a wealth of Australian talent overseas with over 140 players currently playing in 15 of the top leagues in world football,” Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said.
Emerton, Scott Chipperfield and Vince Grella could be among those considering A-League switches following this year’s World Cup in South Africa after lengthy European club careers.
Emerton, 31, has spent the last seven years playing for Premier League Blackburn Rovers having started his career at Sydney Olympics and could be open to the prospect of returning home.
“Australian players are competing at a high level in Europe, Asia and America and what we have created is a viable option for these players to return to the A-League,” said Buckley.
The rule changes would also provide a boost to the national team, who are unable to pick their European-based players for fixtures that fall outside of official FIFA match days.