Under newly released regulations for the '15-16 A-League season, clubs "will be able to potentially recruit two international marquee players outside of the salary cap," after Football Federation Australia announced a change to the rule that stated that at least one marquee player must be Australian, according to the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. In addition, there is a new A$200,000 ($146,000) allowance outside of the cap for players who have played between 5-10 years at the club, "as well as rules to benefit homegrown players and guests." The changes "are aimed at allowing increased flexibility" around the use of the A$2.55M ($1.8M) cap limit. A-League CEO Damien de Bohun said, "The Player Contract Regulations changes offer significantly increased salary opportunities for players as well as providing flexibility and rewards for clubs who plan their roster around Marquee Players, youth development and long term loyalty to its players."
The list of changes includes:
- Clubs "can pay a Mature Age Rookie outside the Salary Cap to encourage talented players in the National Premier Leagues."
- Salary Cap Banking "will allow clubs to carry over money not spent inside the Salary Cap in the previous two seasons to the following season, up to 105% of the Salary Cap in the relevant contract year."
- The "Minimum Annual Salary for players aged over 21 years has risen" from A$51,000 ($37,000) to A$55,000 ($40,000) (SMH, 8/11).
