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A-League GF Sat night

2 May 2008 | 12:10 - AAP

Night... If the Jets are to defend their crown they'll have to do it under lights (Getty Images)

The A-League is to switch to a Saturday night grand final next season.

Launching the draw for the league's fourth season in 2008-09, Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said the grand final would be played under lights on Saturday 28 February.

Previous grand finals have been played on Sunday afternoons.

"We have moved this season's finale to Saturday night to allow more fans to attend the event no matter where the match is held," said Buckley.

The season will kick off with a clash between last season's grand finalists Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners on Friday 15 August.

The rivalries continue on Saturday 16 August when Sydney FC host southern nemesis Melbourne Victory, while Sunday 17 August sees the Queensland Roar travel across the ditch to face the Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United host Perth Glory to complete round one.

Buckley also announced club salary caps will be increased to $1.9 million and there will be a cap exemption for an under-23 marquee player.

The League has also extended its naming rights sponsorship agreement with car manufacturer Hyundai for another four years until the end of the 2011-12 season.

The season will also see the launch of a new national youth league competition.

"The establishment of this development league will provide a perfect training ground for the A-League players of the future," said Buckley.

In addition to the opening round the Hyundai A-League 2008-09 season draw highlights include:

:: three breaks within the A-League 2008-09 season to accommodate FIFA match dates (6 September 2008, 11 October 2008 and 11 November 2008. An additional break will occur during the A-League 2009 Finals Series (11 February 2009).

:: Boxing Day double between the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners and also Perth Glory and Adelaide United.

:: Round 18 will see a New Years Eve blockbuster between Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory at Bluetongue Stadium and Adelaide United host Sydney FC at Adelaide Oval on Saturday 3 January 2009.

:: The A-League 2008-09 season will again be contested over 21 rounds. The final round of the season (Round 21) is scheduled for the weekend of 23-25 January 2009.

The FFA also announced a number of modifications to the A-League Competition Rules and Regulations for the upcoming season including:

Under 23 Marquee Player 

Clubs may apply to have A$150k max Salary of one (1) Under 23 player exempt from the Salary cap.

Squad Size Increase 30-35 

This includes 20-23 Roster players and 10-12 National Youth League Players.

Injury Replacement Players 

Will be considered on a case by case basis due to ability of NYL players to be promoted on a weekly basis.

Salary Level must be commensurate to that of the injured player. Any premium will be included in the Salary Cap.

Registration Window Changes

Ø First Registration Window will now run from 1 June - 31 August (3 month period aligns with European transfer window).

Meanwhile, the FFA and the league's naming sponsor, Hyundai, announced a new four year deal that will continue the partnership to the end of the 2011-12 season.

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