"Expansion of the A-League is a critical issue to the continuing evolution and growth of football and this is a very exciting day for FFA, everyone involved in the A-League, Gold Coast United and North Queensland," FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said. "The Gold Coast is a vitally important region for football."

North Queensland has still to complete legal documentation necessary for its admission to the league, but would do so within two to three weeks, the FFA said.

"North Queensland has met all the commercial criteria we set for them last month, including local community and business support which has been terrific," Buckley said.

The aim is eventually to have 12 to 14 teams.