Melbourne’s Herald Sun reported that the AFL's plans to have a team based on the Gold Coast by 2011 could be affected by a stipulation that the club couldn't play there until there until 2016.

According to the newspaper, the contract states that the Gabba ground in Brisbane must be used for all AFL matches until the end of 2015.

The article claimed the arrangement was made via Queensland government body Major Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) around the time of the Sydney Olympics. The clause expires in September 2015.

AFL chief broadcasting and commercial officer Gillon McLachlan confirmed the existence of the agreement.

The FFA rejected Gold Coast Galaxy’s bid for inclusion in the 2008/9 season which kicks off this August. However, it’s understood the bid is almost certain to gain entry in 2009/10, thus giving A-League football the inside track on its code rival.

Ironically, it was a snag with Galaxy’s own home ground deal with Skilled Stadium that was partly responsible for derailing their bid earlier this month.

Similarly, the failure to secure a stadium deal at Carrara was a major reason behind AFL North Melbourne's decision last December to reject an offer to relocate to the Gold Coast.