HARRY Kewell's deal with Melbourne Victory is being financed exclusively by five corporate sponsors.

The initial deal was to have Kewell pocket 80 per cent of revenue increases from gate receipts, merchandise and sponsorship.

It was scrapped after criticism of Kewell for that deal, and the move to Victory was almost derailed, putting Sydney FC in the box seat.

But Victory restructured the deal, tying up five third-party sponsors in conjunction with Kewell's camp.

It is understood there will be an incentive component to the deals, but there will be no money directly from Victory.

This, and protracted talks with Football Federation Australia, with which Kewell rejected a $500,000-a-year marketing deal, were the reasons he took so long to sign.

The Kewell deal will be linked to A-League stadium contracts, with details of sponsors and specific agreements closely guarded by both parties.

A source close to Victory said the deal had been on tenterhooks at one stage.

"Harry's financial adviser is in town, finalising the deal and making sure everything is in place," the source said.

"The deal was almost derailed. But several corporate entities are now involved."

Kewell, 32, has signed a three-year deal as Victory's marquee player. Today, he will have his first training session at AAMI Park. He will be presented with his Victory shirt on Saturday at the club's fan day.

Meanwhile, Victory may add fringe Socceroo Adrian Madaschi, 29, to its squad.

The 190cm defender, a regular for Italian Serie B side Portosummaga last season, is training with the squad.

Originally published as Secret sponsors fund Kewell deal