Football Federation Australia have confirmed that the Hyundai A-League Competition Regulations have been amended to allow clubs to add up to an extra two players on the substitute bench subject to conditions.

FFA Head of Leagues Greg O'Rourke said that this update to the Hyundai A-League Competition Regulations will help with the development of young footballers in the Hyundai A-League.

“This initiative is designed to promote opportunities for U-23 players from Australia for all Hyundai A-League clubs based in Australia and for Wellington Phoenix an opportunity for both U23 Australian and New Zealand players.

“It allows clubs an advantage of up to 7 substitutes should they have 3 x U-23 players on the match day starting list.

“It is envisaged that this initiative will provide clubs with the opportunity to include more young players in the match day squad and, by extending the number of players on the bench, will also allow the coaching staff more options on game day.

“We expect to see teams both home and away take advantage of this change in policy from Round 1.

“The ability to get more game time for our younger players is critical to their development both as Hyundai A-League players and also for National team selection.

“I would like to thank the FFA Board for considering this amendment and approving for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season,” concluded O’Rourke.



The amendments to the Hyundai A-League Competition Regulations provide that a Club may now:

(i) select six (6) Players as substitutes on the Starting List, including one (1) goalkeeper, provided that: (A) for all Clubs (ex. Wellington Phoenix), at least two (2) of the Players selected on the Starting List, either in the starting XI or as a substitute, are: (1) eligible to be called up for Australian National Teams; and (2) born on or after 1 January 1996; and (B) for Wellington Phoenix, at least two (2) of the Players selected on the Starting List, either in the starting XI or as a substitute, are: (1) eligible to be called up for Australian or New Zealand National Teams; and (2) born on or after 1 January 1996; or

(ii) select seven (7) Players as substitutes on the Starting List, including one (1) goalkeeper, provided that: (A) for all Clubs (ex. Wellington Phoenix), at least three (3) of the Players selected on the Starting List, either in the starting XI or as a substitute, are: (1) eligible to be called up for Australian National Teams; and (2) born on or after 1 January 1996; and (B) for Wellington Phoenix, at least three (3) of the Players selected on the Starting List, either in the starting XI or as a substitute, are: (1) eligible to be called up for Australian or New Zealand National Teams; and (2) born on or after 1 January 1996.



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