Melbourne Victory signed Michael Thwaite from SK Brann

Melbourne Victory have signed Socceroos defender Michael Thwaite one-year loan deal from Norwegian club SK Brann.

Thwaite, 25, Ney joins Brazilian Fabiano De Oliveira, Billy Celeski and Tom Pondeljak that the victory of the key location for the next A-League season after missing the playoffs last year.

Thwaite was included in Pim Verbeek Socceroos the first team for the opening of World Cup qualification against Qatar in February but failed to make the final cut.

He joined Brann in January unfortunate club after stints in Romania and Poland.

"It's very nice to be able to make another Socceroo home, but for only a short time at this stage," Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said.

"It's big, fast and can do a great job for us in defence."

Thwaite made his international debut against Jamaica in 2005.

There are great opportunities to play his first match of the Victory in trial games early next month.

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Clive Palmer appointed chief executive same position at Gold Coast

A new club League-owner Clive Palmer, who named his mining company chief executive officer at the same position in the new Gold Coast-Unis.

Iron ore baron Palmer, Côte owner and president, announced Clive Mensink as the first CEO of the club who play in expanding A-League in 2009-10.

A former club official Brisbane, Mensink has been involved in the company of Mineralogy Palmer more than 15 years.

Palmer said he was convinced Mensink provide business and soccer knowledge to lead the club through its formative years.

"We have appointed Clive Mensink because we know he has an excellent track record as a CEO, a position he occupies the mineralogy," said Australia's fourth richest man, who would be a worth more than $ 1.5 billion.

"More importantly, he is the vice president of Resources in Australasia, which is a listed company, it is used for high demands and requirements of society."

Mensink, 40, was the treasurer of the club Brisbane North Star in 2003.

The coast franchise is yet to decide its official name, but gradually the construction of its first office staff, including five former employees Queensland Roar.

Inaugural Roar coach Miron Bleiberg will coach the United enlargement at A-League kicks off in 14 months.

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Cristiano a star of the A-League

Adelaide United last arrival Brazilian Cristiano will be a star of the A-League, the Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar said.

Cristiano arrived in Adelaide on Monday, joining compatriots Diego, Alemao Cassio and the South Australia club.

Striker Cristiano has 10 years experience in the Netherlands, scoring 44 goals in stints with NAC Breda, Roda JC and Willem II.

"I think that in Cristiano you'll get a fair bit of experience, he is someone who has over 10 years experience in Europe," said Vidmar.

"He knows how to score goals, it is quite a team player, which we are very eager to help him to a large extent.

"I think it has the ingredients to be a star in this competition."

Cristiano, 27, Adelaide shore up following the attack losses strikers Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite the Greek Cypriots and Turkish clubs respectively.

"Adelaide is a great club, they have a very good reputation and I saw a lot of things in Adelaide on the Internet and that is why he was the choice for me," said Cristiano.

"We have a lot of quality with Cassio, and now Diego Alemão with other players, and for me, it made the choice easy.

"I was in Brazil last week and I talked with Cassio on the club and it is all positive."

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Ben Buckley insists soccer is'nt locked in expansion race with AFL

Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley insists football is not locked in a race with the expansion of the AFL despite these two codes to plunge headlong into the same new markets.

Last week, the A-League has published its ninth license in the region coveted by the AFL - the Gold Coast - with Australia's fourth richest man Clive Palmer fracture and it plans to launch in the 2009-10 season.

And the AFL has upped the stakes in the other hotspot in the west of Sydney, with plans to accelerate an under-18 side for the region as early as next year to feed the region later AFL planned for 2012 .

But despite these two codes chasing the same heart, mind and athletes on at least two battlefields, Buckley insists west of Sydney has become more important for the A-League since the AFL scored his plans to set up shop.

"The western part of Sydney is important for the construction of the game and football across the country," said Buckley, the former No. 2 of the AFL to current CEO Andrew Demetriou.

"This is not a race. We have never said that it was a race.

"The west of Sydney has a very strong base for football, it has many remarkable talent for the game and there is a strong demand for the match.

"We believe that this is a natural result of having a team based there over time."

The FFA has received two expressions of interest in the west of Sydney, a team of eight being considered to increase the A-League to a possible 12-club competition.

Melbourne, Townsville and Wollongong are also considered as possible bases for a new A-League franchise.

The FFA has put in place an expansion subcommittee to examine the proposals, and it will also report on a timetable to award new licenses.

But if the schedules go to plan, top-flight football will be a two-year jump on the AFL on the Gold Coast, and probably in place before the west of Sydney 2012 AFL Side A-League bosses decide a team must be established.

The AFL has plans to expand to 18 teams, with one side Gold Coast to come on board in 2011 and west of Sydney the following year.

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Aurelio Vidmar believes signing Alemao strengthen his team

Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar believes new signing Alemao will strengthen his team at the back and move forward as they prepare for the new A-League season and Champions League quarterfinal in Asia final.

Reds have signed 26-year-old Brazilian side Sao Paulo Juventus substitute for a right of return Richie Alagich, who retired at the end of the Champions League group stage last month.

Alagich is held in high esteem in southern Australia, but Vidmar has no doubt about the ability of its new signature.

"It is definitely a solid player," said United coach. "He is someone who can defend and, of course, is to follow. I think that today you need to back that can do that, and it certainly has that in its Thursday

"In the clubs he has played the past two years, he scored goals this position if you have a complete return you can get one or two goals per year, an additional asset."

The South Australian club have begun to put in place quite a Brazilian contingent within their team.

Alemao joined midfielder Diego Walsh, left back Cassio, and new striker Cristiano, who will arrive in Adelaide next week.

"It is good to be here in Adelaide, said Alemao. "I spoke with Cassio and he said (Australia) was a good country to play, so I can not wait to play here and show my skills.

"It is important to play with other Brazilians, because I do not speak English very well at the moment but I hope, will be able to pick up slowly in a few months."

Adelaide kick off their A-League season in mid-August against Perth Glory.

Reds then continue their quest for Champions League success when they face the Japanese champions Kashima Antlers in the quarter-finals.

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Central Coast plan to appeal FIFA's decision to ban Danny Vukovic

Central Coast Mariners plan to appeal this decision by FIFA to ban Danny Vukovic Olympics, believing that the world body "exceeded their authority by acting as they have."

The 23-year goalkeeper was initially banned for 14 months by Australia Football Federation for slapping the arm of referee Mark Shield during the A-League Grand Final February, which lost 1-0 Central Coast but the sentence was later amended on appeal.

In April, an independent commission of Appeal Vukovic decided to suspend all games until June 24, 2008 and then all matches between August 29 to October 6, while a conditional sentence was imposed for a further period of six months after that date.

Vukovic, which allowed a window to join the Olyroos in Beijing, but FIFA have acted against the interruption of the suspension, which they say is contrary to the spirit of their regulations.

However, the Mariners announced plans to appeal that decision Thursday.

"We have carefully considered decision of FIFA and we have respect for the process and FIFA for his role in this situation," said Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman.

"However, FIFA's powers are limited by a detailed set or rules and regulations and in this case, we believe that FIFA has exceeded their authority by acting as they have.

"It is important to note that this stage of the appeal is not on the incident which took place in the Hyundai A-League Grand Final. It is a discreet and narrow legal question of whether, under the powers conferred to FIFA by their rules and regulations, they have the power to do what they have pretended to be done.

"This decision to appeal has been carefully taken. The Mariners believe that it is in the best interest of our players and we are comfortable that this is an entirely appropriate to take, and that the appeal is based.

"We have great respect for the process, as we have all throughout this ordeal, and the club will not make further comment until the appeal process which runs its course.

"As it is now purely a legal argument, we also ask that the media respect the privacy of Danny, it was on a roller coaster of emotions that you would appreciate."

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Pacific Islands discussed about A League

A team of Pacific islands could be a shock inclusion when the A-League eventually expand to 12 teams.

Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy publicly encouraged the Oceania Confederation of Football (OFC) to investigate an A-League franchise, saying they would be welcome in the competition.

Lowy has met with representatives OFC on Saturday to discuss the prospect.

"I think it would be very good for the A-League," said Lowy.

"There are 11 million people in Oceania and if we can attract a team of the islands to play in the A-League, we can attract another 10 or 11 million viewers.

"I have invited the Oceania Confederation to create a team of all the islands, and if they do, we will be able to accommodate them in the A-League and they seem very interested in that."

With teams already on the path of the Gold Coast and Townsville, a team from Oceania get off the ground in a 12 team competition, it would mean pressure on the rest room.

Extra teams in Sydney and Melbourne are under consideration, while Wollongong, Canberra and Geelong have also been mentioned as possible homes for A-League franchises.

Paramount Oceania to the A-League bid is estimated at the OFC offers its vote for Australia in 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

Australia left the College in 2006 to establish a link with the Asian Football Confederation, but OFC member New Zealand already has an A-League presence of Wellington through Phoenix.

Meanwhile, billionaire tycoon iron ore Clive Palmer became the new funder possible for a franchise Gold Coast.

It is understood Palmer - Australia's fourth richest man - has met with the FFA, which May be influenced by offering him the franchise rather than Gold Coast Galaxy, supported by Fred promoter Taplin.

The jockeying for position on the Gold Coast franchise should warm with new talks between interested parties scheduled for early this week.

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FIFA ruled Danny Vukovic not allowed to play at the Olympics

FIFA have ruled that Central Coast goalkeeper Danny Vukovic will not be allowed to play for Australia at the Olympics because of his suspension for hitting a referee.

The 23 years was banned for 14 months by the Football Federation of Australia slapping the arm of Mark Shield during the A-League Grand Final February, Central Coast lost 1-0 but the sentence was later amended appeal.

In April, an independent commission of Appeal Vukovic decided to suspend all games until June 24, 2008 and then all matches between August 29 to October 6, while a conditional sentence was imposed for a further period of six months after that date.

Vukovic, which allowed a window to join the Olyroos in Beijing, but FIFA have acted against the interruption of the suspension, which they say is contrary to the spirit of their regulations.

In a statement, FIFA said they have a responsibility to determine suspensions to apply to international competitions.

From World Soccer Governing Body also added that they have a duty to prevent players who have committed a serious offence and are suspended from play in domestic competition for competition in international competition.

Vukovic was banned from all international meetings on February 25, 2008 to January 25, 2009, with the last four and a half months suspended.

The FFA said they did not appeal, although Vukovic may challenge the decision of its own wings.

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Dave Mitchell believes Eugene Dadi will give firepower

Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell believes that the addition of Cote d'Ivoire striker Eugene Dadi give the club enough firepower to blast the way a maiden A-League finals berth.

Dadi, 34, impressed during a short essay of glory last November but was denied the move to Perth when his Israeli club has blocked its transfer.

But Mitchell has persisted and got his man for next season.

And with Olyroo Nikita Rukavytsya, swingman Jamie Harnwell English and James Robinson also at its disposal, Mitchell is convinced he has a strike force capable of propelling the club in the top four.

"I think it is very important in the park competition for places and that is what we've certainly got up before," said Mitchell.

"We have four or five players who can play two roles.

"It's a position that we have not been before and it's good for the club."

Mitchell hopes Dadi, whose career has included stints at The Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen costumes and English Nottingham Forest and Tranmere Rovers, add a touch of class to glory.

"Eugene's technically very good," said Mitchell.

"He can score goals, he reads the game well, brings other people in the game and creates opportunities for other people. And he has a big threat in the air as well.

"It is experienced and he will work well with Nikita."

Mitchell said the club was about to sign at least two other players, including one from abroad in the next week.

"They have agreed, but they have not signed, so it is a situation where this will happen next week," he said.

The Glory fought both on and off the field since the A-League creation, finishing fifth, seventh and seventh in three seasons.

Mitchell, who took over from predecessor Ron Smith midway through last season, conceded anything short of a final finish this season would be a failure.

"We want the first four and hopefully we can get in the first two," said Mitchell.

"But the bare minimum is four, because you can challenge there."

Meanwhile, QBE Insurance has extended its sponsorship of the club for another two seasons.

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fourth richest man sign Gold Coast United's licence

Sydney FC has a rival as the A-League glamour club after Australia's fourth richest man arrived by helicopter to sign Gold Coast-US drive.

Iron ore baron Clive Palmer, worth over 1.5 billion dollars, also overflew the country in its own jet to accept the Football Federation of Australia conditions for competition of the ninth club.

He said United would be a target A-League crown and a Champions League berth for Asia in their debut season in 2009-10, bringing its financial muscle behind the quest.

Palmer said the club would have access to any of his three private jets to travel to away games and had opened its purse strings to attract the best players in the world.

The 53-year, one of the main funds of the former Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen to failure "Joh for PM" push in the mid 1980, has signed Queensland Roar former mentor Miron Bleiberg as coach.

Bleiberg is one of five former employees Roar involved with the Coast consortium that has received the FFA provisional approval this week for A-League inclusion.

It was Palmer money which enabled the United become the ninth team in an expanded competition when he committed last month.

While 90 minutes late for his press conference, Palmer has been waiting extravagant useful on arrival at United's Park qualified home at Robina by helicopter after a quick stop-off Coolangatta after a flight of 'West of Australia Pilbara region.

Whether Gold Coast could replace inaugural champions Sydney FC as the glamour team competition, the colourful businessman, said: "Gold Coast Glamour," it is not bad ".

"(Glamour) is certainly better with Gold Coast is not it.

"I do not think I have any glamour or glitz," he said.

"... But we do not have jets and helicopters for the pleasure of watching them.

"They will certainly be there to help the club."

Palmer immediately set targets, saying top United would be a target 2009-10 A-League crown who try to make tourism the band football capital of Australia ".

"We want to win the first year. We are only there to win, "he said.

"I would say that we have the people and experience to make an impact.

"I am confident he will succeed because I very rarely get involved in things which are not a success."

The A-League salary cap rises to $ 1.9 million for the upcoming season, but big and signed guest players are exempt from the CAP.

Palmer said four or five-star overseas are regarded as marquee players while Bleiberg recommends signature "stars" short-term stints.

The owner would-US suggested new avenues if the Coast qualified for Asia.

"When you play A-League you are limited by the salary cap, but if you do go to the Asian Cup, you can use a whole lot of other players and make Australia a force grappling with, he said.

"This was not the case in the past and this is an area that we believe we can achieve a kind of success and the Gold Coast the type of recognition it should have."

Bleiberg, to begin signing players in November, believed his new club is best placed to succeed than local competitors Queensland Roar, who finished sixth in their debut season.

"Like everything in life when you do something a second or third time you do it better," he said, adding Palmer support made life easier.

"I am a little embarrassed to say but, like everything in life that depends on how much money you have."

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Scott Jamieson signed with Adelaide United

Former Bolton Wanderers defender Scott Jamieson has signed with Adelaide United.

The 19-year, signed two years with Adelaide after spending the last three years with the English Premier League club.

Jamieson has made four appearances for the Bolton first team during the club's pre-season campaigns in 2006/07 and 2007/08, but most of his time was devoted to Bolton reserves and Academy sides.

"For 19 years, Scott has played many games, and after not having a lot of first team football in England, he decided to return to Australia and we believe it fits well with Adelaide United," Reds Coach Aurelio Vidmar.

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Gold Coast's ambition hosting A-League get closer

The Gold Coast's ambition to host an A-League club has moved a step closer after the Football Federation of Australia CEO, Ben Buckley, revealed that they are considering a proposal by billionaire Clive Palmer .

The city in south-east Queensland had been the hope Gold Coast Galaxy should be taken on the ground for the 2009/10 season after an earlier attempt to obtain a licence has been given the green light in February, but only on a basis Provisional.

Palmer, however, has recently set up a rival package under the name Gold Coast-Unis said Buckley and mining magnate is now in line to get the nod.

"We will now begin exclusive negotiations with Mr. Palmer's consortium, Gold Coast-US, "he said on the official A-League site.

Palmer was a height of 10, considered by the FFA who want to develop the current team of eight.

Three of Melbourne, two from West Sydney, two from Townsville, Wollongong and covering one another on the south coast of New South Wales are also in the frame.

Townsville deals were led by Melbourne Business Milissa Fischer and local businessman Don Matheson with the Queensland city apparently also acquire a license.

"We are also having discussions with Ms. Fischer and Mr. Matheson groups and we expect to be entered into exclusive negotiations with one of them by the end of this month, "said Buckley.

The FFA is confident the A-League could receive up to 12 teams in the future and Buckley believes that the level of interest in additional licenses is a testament to the younger competition's popularity.

"The number of proposals we have received reflects the dynamic behind the growth and development of the A-League," he said.

"Since it began three years ago, he had to" cut "in the Australian sports landscape-average crowd, listening, membership, media coverage and profitability trends up each season.

"The attraction of the competition is clearly reflected in the level of interest for other licences.

"When and where we are increasing the competition is measured by the fact that it simply is good for football, the right for Hyundai A-League clubs, the right for new clubs and right for the local community."

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North Queensland FC coordinator Don Matheson confident of A-League Bid

Base support is the key to northern Queensland offers hope to carry a rival group for an A-League license.

North Queensland FC coordinator Don Matheson is confident he will be their links which will give them an advantage over a rival bid led by businesswoman Melbourne Millissa Fischer when they make a final presentation Football Federation Australia on June 18.

And they have "no problem" FFA meeting the requirement of $ 6 million in initial funding.

"It is a component in our business where people can invest in our club," said Matheson AAP.

"This property is spreading in the community and we believe that this will be the best model of long-term success.

"I do not want to go there but a club owner (Fischer) have been a concern.

"Local Entry is one of the most critical components of the application of any person - if you do not you have any problems."

NQ FC, which rose from the ashes of Thunder North will not rely solely on the Townsville spirit to get them on line this month.

Their coaching hit-list includes legendary striker Ian Rush of Liverpool and Newcastle Jets' championship-winning mentor Gary van Egmond.

And despite starting behind the eight ball, Matheson is convinced of the FFA impressive after receiving support from Melbourne sports marketing company and investors Townsville.

"The shareholders of this represent some major businessmen in this city (Townsville) - I would say that the composition of Millissa's is different from that," said Matheson.

Matheson said Rush and van Egmond were among the "four or five coaching options and they have already received" encouraging "talks with several A-established players in the league.

He said that their application had been delayed by the impasse of negotiations on obtaining NRL team North Queensland's ground Dairy Farmers Stadium as a venue.

A new 10,000-capacity sports venue in Townsville now that their core businesses.

"It took a little time, but we have a chance to do what we want to make sure that we were right," said Matheson.

"This is a durable product and this (place of origin) is the most influential part of it."

FFA confirmed that they are still considering two offers Townsville - NQ FC and the group of Fischer - for the A-League competition.

The FFA Board met Tuesday to discuss a total of 10 expressions of interest from prospective franchisees across the country who want to join the A-League.

Matheson has ended after the Thunder North where large flakes of funds Fischer left to launch its own offer in northern Queensland.

A FFA said a spokesman for Townsville-based franchise is a "priority code" but he had to prove he had local support.

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FFA board met to consider ten expressions of interest

The Football Federation Australia (FFA) board met to consider ten expressions of interest from prospective franchisees who want to join the A-League.

Areas covered by the proposals west of Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Townsville.

Senior Gold Coast businessman, Clive Palmer, will enter into exclusive negotiations with the FFA in order to obtain a license for the region.

The FFA has also been active in discussions with two consortia interested in a Townsville-based A-League Club - led by businesswoman Melbourne Milissa Fischer and local businessman Don Matheson.

Other proposals included three groups seeking the second year in Melbourne, two in the running for the west of Sydney and Wollongong a license covering New South Wales and the south coast.

"The number of proposals we have received reflects the dynamic behind the growth and development of the A-League," FFA boss Ben Buckley.

"We are also having discussions with Ms. Fischer and Mr. Matheson groups and we expect to be entered into exclusive negotiations with one of them by the end of this month."

The A-League expansion subcommittee will consider Melbourne in western Sydney and Wollongong proposals and determine a process and timetable for awarding new licenses.

The FFA said the A-League has the capacity to grow its eight teams currently at least a 12-team competition.

"When and where we are increasing the competition is measured by the fact that it simply is good for football, the right for A-League clubs, the right for new clubs and right for the local community," said Buckley .

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Patafta has joined the Jets

Exciting young midfielder Kaz Patafta has joined the Newcastle Jets in the hope of ensuring a high level A-League berth.

Patafta, 19, spent last season on loan at Melbourne Victory Portuguese giants Benfica.

He and Benfica parted ways last month.

Patafta made 14 appearances for victory in 2007-08, many of these off the bench.

"It was a great season in Melbourne and I really enjoyed my time here," said Patafta, who was a favorite of fans of Victory.

"... At that time, it is important for me to try to play regularly, which I believe is the only way to improve the level of senior officials.

"I'm really looking forward to a new challenge and try to cement and prove myself as a first team."

Victory coach Ernie Merrick Patafta wish the best for his future with the Jets.

"Kaz is a promising young player and we do not want to stand in his way of trying to get a first team position," Merrick said.

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Ben Buckley : plans for promotion and relegation system at October

Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley said plans for the implementation of promotion and relegation system of the A-League will be set up to October this year.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy revealed last week the FFA were looking to bring the system to strengthen the classification of Australia in Asia and improve its prospects of hosting a World Cup.

With the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA to put pressure on the league to establish a multi-levels, Buckley confirmed the Agency has informed the AFC, it would have put in place in the next five months.

"We told the AFC, we would get on their return by October this year in what our plan is to promote through relegation," said Buckley.

"They understand our situation and they agreed that we will have in place a plan of October this year and will be for an implementation for a promotion-relegation system, not at this point in time, but in recent years .

"... This is something that will be assessed over time.

"Once we got through the next phase of expansion, then we will be seeking a promotion and relegation."

The promotion and relegation has been a hot topic on Friday at FIFA Congress in Sydney, where the World Football Governing Council has approved amendments to laws to ensure that teams could not be promoted and relegated on the basis of their sporting achievements, not monetary issues.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said that these laws apply to all new championships, including a second-tier league in Australia when it is created.

"The decision we have taken today does not affect leagues, but it will be a strong indication of these leagues to adapt to this principle," said Blatter.

"And here in Australia, when I spoke with the leaders of football, they said they will introduce a second division."

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Harry Kewell believes around six star needed to success

Socceroos Harry Kewell captain believes an injection of nearly six star players based in Europe is necessary to lift the A-League to a new level of success.

The former midfielder at Liverpool, who returned home for Australia World Cup qualification campaign, Australia said National League has been more and more attention overseas approaching its fourth season.

But he said continuing recruitment of European-based players is the key to future growth.

Most clubs have always difficult to attract talent from overseas since the former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke to stay with Sydney FC has set the standard in a season.

Brazilians Romario and Juninho, a former England under-21s striker Michael Bridges and Australian John Aloisi are others who have been lured abroad and Kewell has urged clubs to pursue foreign talent.

"The A-League is based, it is creating a sensation," Kewell told AAP.

"Many more people in Europe, you know a lot more players are involved and thought" what's it? ".

"It's a beautiful country to play football and he has time, he has the fan base, it needs about a half-dozen European stars to come here and then maybe he can really the kick. "

Kewell has always left the door open to the possibility of playing in Australia, the twilight of his career.

"It's something I always consider," said Kewell, who will be in the order in the immediate future of his club in Europe next month after qualifying.

Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy said that the future strength of the A-League will be crucial for the candidature for the World Cup 2018.

Lowy seeks to introduce a promotion-relegation system for the A-League to strengthen the classification of Australia in Asia and strengthen its bid to host the World Cup 2018.

Kewell said he and his fellow Europe-based Socceroos were firmly behind the bid.

"For 2018, I think it would be a tragedy if we did not get it," said Kewell.

"We must try to give it our all and go there and push it."

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Sydney FC signed Chris Payne

Sydney FC has signed 17 years, Chris Payne to a two-year contract, completing the A League club's allocation under-20 players.

The attacker studying part-time with Sydney FC until early August, when he finishes his commitments with NSW Premier League pace-setters Manly United and its Higher School Certificate.

He joins Nick Tsattalios and Adam Biddle as Sydney FC U-20 players.

Payne describing it as an exciting talent, Sydney FC coach John Kosima said it was important to 17 years, will continue to honour its commitments.

"... Chris has played well in the first league New South Wales in a team that plays good football and getting results," he said.

"It is important to his age, to continue the games. It is also important they finish the school and ends the season for Manly.

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Adelaide United's signing Cristiano is A-League's brightest star

Adelaide United last signing Cristiano is intended to be one of the A-League of bright stars, according to United coach Aurelio Vidmar.

Cristiano signature was obtained over the weekend, hot on the heels of Socceroo Bruce Djite decision to leave Adelaide for Europe.

At 26, Cristiano is still in the prime of his career, and has a fine record of the goal to mark a decade of stints including clubs Roda JC and Willem II in the Netherlands and the Swiss giant FC Basle.

Vidmar said he would bring a new level of capability-Unis.

"It is extremely good news, Cristiano bring with it another level of our game, it will be very exciting," said Vidmar of China, where the Reds are preparing for Wednesday Central Asia Champions League fight against Changchun Yatai.

"He played in high quality competitions in Europe for 10 years, has played in Holland and has scored against all major clubs.

"There will be a real big star of the A-League, with its power and speed and know where are the goals."

His signature complete any Adelaide-Brazilian file overseas for the next season, which also includes Diego, Cassio and other Alemão new signature.

Each of these actors is in the age group 24-29, in the wake of the Organization of the policy of selecting players with more than two years of football ahead of them.

"It has been our policy since we signed Cassio in search of guys who are 26-27, which means they are young and they are of high quality, but they are not necessarily the guys with stars in eyes to go play a great European club, "said Vidmar.

"We are therefore more likely to get four, five, six very good years on them.

"It also means they are here, they have some experience and strength to add to the club based on where they originate."

Adelaide began to look some time ago, it became clear that Djite looking for a claiming European and Cristiano arrival coincides perfectly with his departure, even if they are far from identical players.

"We had a feeling like a club on Brucie and so we began to look around and think about how the team might look to the future," said Vidmar.

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Queensland Roar will play Palmeiras in friendly match

Queensland Roar will play Brazilian club Palmeiras in a friendly match in Brisbane as part of their preparations for the next A-League season.

The July 12 match at Suncorp Stadium is the second of a three-year series of matches fight against racism, and follows a friendly against South Africa Supersport United last year.

In announcing the match Roar CEO Lawrence Oudendyk hinted coach Frank Farina May attracted the signatures of at least one player from South America during a recent prospecting trip to Brazil.

"We are eager to continue our Brazilian ties in the future, with the first being the match against Palmeiras," Oudendyk said.

"Palmeiras are a big club in Brazil and were very enthusiastic about playing in our Queensland Roars campaign against racism."

The Sao Paulo-based Serie A club has won six national titles and was home for players, including Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu and former Sydney FC midfielder Juninho Paulista.

The Roar kick off their A-League campaign against Wellington on August 17.

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