Perth Glory's hopes of a first A-League title may be dashed after Football Federation Australia issued the club a second show-cause notice for a serious breach of the salary cap.

It is understood the FFA will allege the Glory deliberately exceeded the A-League salary cap limit by approximately $150,000 by paying a player through a third party for the entire season. The fresh accusations could derail the club's hopes of playing in the finals series, with Perth facing the prospect of heavy fines and a possible points deduction should they be found guilty of systematically cheating the cap.

Centre of investigation: Perth Glory player Andy Keogh. Credit:Getty Images

Sources close to the investigation suggest at least $150,000 of star striker Andy Keogh's salary was paid into a bank account held by a family member, listing the transactions as payments relating to a Perth fashion festival. Although Keogh is involved with one fashion label, it is understood these payments were related only to his contract as a footballer.

The total value of Keogh's salary is believed to be between $300,000 and $350,000 a season, yet it is understood the club recorded his salary as $150,000 in its reportings to the FFA.