One of the players courted by MLS has instead opted for soccer down under. Sydney FC officials will fly to Italy to conclude the signing of the former international striker Alessandro del Piero, who left Juventus last May after 19 seasons.

"This is huge for Sydney FC, huge for the A-League and huge for Australian football," Sydney chairman Scott Barlow said in a statement. "We feel honored that Alessandro has decided to play for Sydney FC and we share his excitement that a move to Sydney FC will create a lasting legacy for football in this country."

Del Piero, who won the World Cup in 2006 as well as six Serie A titles  and a Champions League title, is the biggest star to move to the A-League.

He joins a league grappling with financial problems. The 10-team league season, which starts in October, has been placed in doubt by complaints from some team owners about management decisions.