FFA's board met to decide on the fate of a 12th potential A-League team. However, the decision to defer was taken to allow bidders more time to work on "...matters relevant to their individual applications".

The next board meeting will be in October but that does not preclude an earlier decision if possible, we understand.

It's understood there was a range of issues which varied from bid to bid that the FFA wanted more detail and clarification on before making any decisions.

Bids from western Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong were all considered, though it's been reported that a second Sydney team remains highest on the league's agenda.

Meanwhile A-League expansion franchise Melbourne Heart, the 11th A-League club set to kick off next season, has begun advertising for key roles within their organisation.

These positions include football operations manager and two roles in their commercial and financial departments.  

Heart can begin signing up players currently with rival A-League clubs from October if the player's contract runs out at the end of this season.

The longer a decision on their fellow newcomers is delayed, the more advantage it will hand Melbourne Heart.

The new club will be able to recruit the best of available players without any competition from the as yet undecided 12th franchise - which will still only be in the early stages of its basic setting up and backroom staffing.