Last night it was reported that one of the front-runners for the 12th expansion spot in the A-League to be based in Sydney had dropped out of the race.

It's opened the door for the possibility of Canberra's bid to get over the line, even though there are other bidders in the Sydney market.

"If for whatever reason, the western Sydney bid doesn't materialise financially then without question that's strengthened Canberra's position being included in the A-League," Canberra's bid head Ivan Slavich tells au.fourfourtwo.com. 

The current state of affairs adds even greater importance on Friday night's clash in Canberra between Central Coast Mariners and Perth Glory at Canberra stadium - the first time an A-League clash has been played in the nation's capital.

"I must admit the football community in Canberra and the journalists are keen to see a decision, and I think the game here on Friday is very important and I think it will be well supported," said Slavich.

"Of course, it's not a Canberra team playing - I think a Canberra team would be even more supported."

The FFA has already granted the 11th licence for the A-League to a consortium called Melbourne Heart. The group is well advanced on its coaching appointment and off field positions.