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Following a government enquiry into the failure of the National Soccer League which lasted from 1977 to 2004, the Hyundai A-League has been launched in Australia. It contains a token team from New Zealand, the Knights. Soccer in Australia has to compete with the distinctive and exciting home grown game, Australian Rules. When I was last in Australia, I was able to enjoy a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The NSL lost more than £200m, so strict financial parameters have been placed on the A-League. The salary cap common in other Australian sports teams has been employed, with teams restricted to a playing squad of 20 and a salary cap of A$1.5m (£700,000), although one 'marquee player' with unlimited wages can be added over and above the cap. The highest profile signing was that of Dwight Yorke by Sydney FC, while Melbourne Victory signed competitive Australian Kevin Muscat. Yorke is on £350,000 a year, no big deal by European standards, but making him one of the highest paid players in any sport in Australia. Initial crowds are healthy with 25,000 turning out for Sydney's home game which compares well with the 10,000 fans a week combined attracted by the four Sydney sides in the last NSL season. There have also been good crowds in other locations, but the key test will be whether they are maintained when the novelty wears off.
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