The AFL has announced that a team playing on the Gold Coast has been pushed back until 2011.

The code initially planned a Gold Coast-based 17th franchise to be part of its 2010 season after North Melbourne rejected a $100 million proposal to relocate north.

However, the sport's bosses feel a new franchise will require more time to be planned.

The AFL's failure to secure a deal to redevelop Carrara Stadium also remains a stumbling block for a new team, which also requires the approval of at least five of the 16 existing clubs, reported Fairfax online.

Currently, an A-League franchise under the working title Gold Coast Galaxy has impressed FFA bosses who are expected to make a decision on the club's inclusion in the league by this March.

It's not clear whether Gold Coast would be included in next season's league or the following season. However, news of the AFL's decision may sway College Street into bringing Gold Coast in as early as possible, in order to give the club as much of a headstart as possible.

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's fastest growing regions and has a successful NRL franchise which has only been running for a season.