A-League bosses are planning to commence the season earlier next year. The proposed kick-off would be in July rather than August but clubs have voiced their disapproval of the move saying the start of the season would clash with rival codes AFL and NRL in Australia.

Next year sees the inclusion of two new clubs into the A-League which will expand the competition to 12 teams and 27 rounds instead of 21 matches.

A longer season is imminent in 2009/2010 and plans to include midweek fixtures or changing kick-off dates are under way.

"At the last CEOs' meeting a number of possibilities were discussed and there did appear to be overwhelming opposition to starting in July and not taking on the other codes in their finals periods," said Central Coast Mariners chief executive Lyall Gorman.

"I think all of us find that August-September window challenging and July would be equally hard.

"There aren't any easy answers, but staging midweek games during what you might term the tourist window in January might well have merit."