The Australian Professional Leagues has today announced the appointment of two new Club Directors to the APL Board, along with updates to the salary cap structure to be implemented from season 2025/26 as part of a new financial sustainability framework model.
Held earlier today, Club Unitholders have voted in an Extraordinary General Meeting to appoint John Dovaston, Chairman of Melbourne Victory, and Kaz Patafta, Chairman and CEO of Brisbane Roar, as Club Directors to the APL Board.
The pair bring a wealth of football, business and governance experience to the Board from their roles inside and outside of the game. The Chair, Silver Lake Director and FA-appointed Director, and three Club Directors already appointed, remain the same and were not up for election.
Following consultation with the Board, Club Unitholders and club representatives, the APL has also announced a new financial sustainability framework model to be introduced into the A-Leagues over the next three seasons.
The new model will focus on the salary cap structure. The current salary cap model which includes a $2.55m ‘soft capʼ, plus six concessional categories and was built initially to embed financial guardrails and competitive balance, is no longer working as intended.
Changes will be made from the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season and begin the pathway to a broader financial sustainability model, based on a spend ratio against club revenues, to be finalised in consultation with the clubs and the PFA and introduced from season 2027/28.
From next season, the league will introduce a $3.5m ‘hard cap trialʼ, and then introduce a hard cap in season 2026/27 of $3m, plus one marquee player. Clubs that breach the hard cap in 2026/27 will be subject to financial and sporting sanctions.
Clubs will still be required to comply with the current salary cap system and existing exemptions in season 2025/26, with the ‘hard cap trialʼ in place to help clubs prepare for season 2026/27.
Commenting on the reforms, Executive Chair, Stephen Conroy said: “Following consultation with clubs over the last twelve months, it was determined that the current spending structure, which has been in place since 2005, was no longer fit for purpose.ˮ
“We are doubling down on strategies that are already working; investing in our product and highlighting our fantastic homegrown talent.
“The implementation of these reforms over the coming years is designed to ensure a competitive balance and to build long term foundations for growth that helps unlock the full revenue potential of each club.
“The APL Board firmly believe this is the model for long term success, giving clubs time to assess and plan before a new model is agreed to for season 2027/28 based on global best practice, that can deliver greater outcomes for talent development and a better football product.ˮ
