Soccer: A-League increases salary cap

SYDNEY - The A-League salary cap has been increased from A$1.6 million ($1.81 million) to A$1.8 million ($2.03 million) for the soccer competition's third season in order to allow for increased squad sizes.

Clubs will have to register a minimum 20-strong playing squad with a maximum of 23 players for the 2007-2008 season.

The pre-season cup starts on July 14 and the season proper on August 24, with 2006 champions Sydney FC playing Central Coast at Aussie Stadium in the opening match.

Each club will be limited to a maximum of four foreign players and must register at least three under-20 players on their roster.

The moves were announced at the release of the A-League draw in Sydney today.

Some fixtures of interest are the grand final rematch between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh Stadium on September 7.

A four-week final series will start on January 25 with the grand final on February 17.

- AAP