yep but those only kick in after several years, so with the current dispensations being removed AFC will be on a weaker footing than clubs that have players who have been around for 4 years or more.
Years of Continuous Service [1, 2]Percentage of Salary Exempt from Cap
4 Years | 12.5% exempt
5 Years | 25% exempt
6 to 9 Years | Increases by 5% each year
10+ Years | 50% exempt (Maximum allowance)
The Major Catch: The 2026/27 Hard Cap
Years of Continuous Service [1, 2]Percentage of Salary Exempt from Cap
4 Years | 12.5% exempt
5 Years | 25% exempt
6 to 9 Years | Increases by 5% each year
10+ Years | 50% exempt (Maximum allowance)
The Major Catch: The 2026/27 Hard Cap
The A-League Men are executing a strict transition to a hard AU$3 million salary cap model. Under this updated structure, historical exemptions like the loyalty discount are being phased down. Moving forward, clubs are limited to just one marquee player entirely outside the cap pool.