Second designated player slot added for 2022-23 A-League Men’s season

Avatar
Brisbane Roar

A-League men’s clubs have been boosted by the introduction of a new rule which allows them to sign an extra star for up to $600,000.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) have fast-tracked a second ‘designated player’ slot into the salary cap for the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season, granting clubs the ability to both lure and retain more top-shelf talent to the ALM.

It means clubs can bring in an additional player on up to $600,000 – or shift an existing player into that position to free up a marquee player spot

Last season, some clubs brought heavyweight signings in directly as designated players – including Victory centre back Roderick Miranda and Jets top scorer Beka Mikeltadze – while others moved existing marquees into the role of designated player. Perth Glory for instance were able to sign Daniel Sturridge as a marquee after making Adrian Sardinero a designated player.

The first designated player slot was included in the salary cap last season as part of a five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) struck with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

A designated player has an annual salary of between $300,000 and $600,000 – this sits outside the salary cap, along with the maximum of two marquee players per club whose wages also sit outside the cap.

From the 2022-23 campaign onwards, clubs will be allowed two designated players and two marquee players in a squad of 18-23 players (excluding scholarship contracts.

Originally pencilled in for the 2023-24 season, the increase of designated player slots was brought forward one season by the APL to enhance the quality of the competition, either via new signings or the retention of players already shining in the ALM.

A-Leagues commissioner Greg O’Rourke explained why the APL decided to accelerate its plan to implement the additional designated player spot in 2022-23:

“The addition of up to two designated players was something we negotiated with the PFA as part of the five-year CBA back in July last year,” O’Rourke said via KEEPUP.

“Our thought at the time was one immediately for last season and another by year three at the latest, however we feel it is the right time to accelerate this option and have brought the second player into play for next season.

“This allows clubs to target another player outside of the cap that improves the squad quality overall as there are requisite minimum investment levels required to satisfy this allowance and we look forward to many of the clubs taking up the opportunity.”

Previous ArticleNext Article

Adelaide United renews StudyAdelaide partnership for Asian campaign

Avatar
Image Credit: AFC

Adelaide United has brought back a familiar commercial partner for its return to continental competition, with StudyAdelaide signing on as front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s 2026/27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

The partnership reconnects two South Australian organisations after StudyAdelaide previously featured on Adelaide United’s shirt during their 2010 AFC Champions League campaign.

Adelaide commenced their six-match group-stage campaign on Thursday at Hindmarsh, defeating Hong Kong’s Tai Po 3-0.

For StudyAdelaide, the value of the partnership extends beyond traditional football sponsorship. The organisation, a partnership between the South Australian Government and more than 50 education institutions, is using Adelaide United’s Asian competition to promote South Australia as an international study destination.

The club’s continental schedule provides exposure in several key Asian markets, with Adelaide travelling to face BG Pathum United in Thailand and Lion City Sailors in Singapore during the group stage.

StudyAdelaide chief executive Jane Johnston said the partnership would provide a great opportunity to connect with young people across Asia.

“Having StudyAdelaide featured throughout this international competition is a unique platform to connect with young people across Asia and highlight the many reasons South Australia is their best option to study, live and build a career,” Johnston said.

The deal illustrates how football’s international competitions can provide commercial value beyond traditional brand exposure, particularly for organisations looking to promote to a specific or new region.

The Reds’ ACL Two campaign continues against BG Pathum United in Thailand on October 15.

Arncliffe Aurora’s Riverine Park investment creates a platform for growth

Avatar
Image Credits: Arncliffe Aurora

Arncliffe Aurora Football Club has started a new chapter with the launch of Riverine Park, creating a larger platform for football, community engagement and long-term growth in Sydney’s St George region. More than 2,500 people attended the community opening on 8 August, marking the club’s first matches at its new home and showcasing a significant upgrade in its operating capacity.

Riverine Park provides two full-size natural turf football fields, modern player and community amenities, and a new clubhouse. The additional capacity responds to strong growth in Arncliffe Aurora’s football programs, particularly at junior level. The club has also highlighted a $2.5 million investment in facility upgrades. Together with its existing Arncliffe Park base, Riverine Park gives Aurora two homes and a stronger physical platform for its football operations.

More capacity allows the club to accommodate more teams, players and programs, while updated facilities can support stronger member retention and recruitment. They create more opportunities for coaching, development programs, events and community activities. The new site can also strengthen the club’s commercial proposition; a modern facility gives sponsors greater visibility and provides more opportunities to activate partnerships around football and community events. It can also help the club build relationships with schools, community organisations and football bodies. That matters as grassroots clubs increasingly operate as community hubs rather than simply sporting organisations.

Riverine Park also creates opportunities for the wider football ecosystem. Football St George has identified the facility as a platform to grow participation and provide opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. Bayside Council’s project includes upgraded change rooms, toilets, canteen facilities, lighting, seating and solar panels, adding further functionality to the precinct.

For Arncliffe Aurora, the investment is therefore about more than adding fields. It creates infrastructure that can support participation, player development, community programs and commercial activity over the long term. The challenge now shifts from construction to utilisation. The club must maximise the new capacity, maintain the assets and convert greater participation into a sustainable operating model to benefit the community long-term.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend