Auckland FC striker Sam Cosgrove will be available for the club's A-League season opener after a loophole allowed him to serve a two-match suspension in New Zealand's national league.
The 29-year-old was expected to miss Auckland's opening two matches of the 2026/27 season after receiving a red card during the club's 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in August's FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Cosgrove was sent off in the 87th minute for a high challenge and subsequently handed a two-match ban, ruling him out of Auckland FC's games against Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers.
However, under New Zealand Football Regulations, A-League players can be registered to play for their club's reserve side in the National League.
Cosgrove was already registered with Auckland FC's National League squad, meaning his suspension could be served during the team's matches against Wellington Olympic and Miramar Ranges.
The arrangement meant last season's Golden Boot winner was now free to face Melbourne City in Auckland's opening match of the new campaign.
Speaking to aleagues.com.au, Cosgrove described the news as a "massive relief" and a "spirit booster".
"Obviously the red card in the game wasn’t ideal, and it’s not until a couple of days or even a few hours after the game that you kind of start thinking about the repercussions of a red card," he said.
The striker said he had accepted the original red card decision, describing the challenge as "unintentional" and the result of fatigue after playing in difficult conditions.
He revealed Auckland FC initially sought to have the suspension overturned or reduced, with lawyers involved in the appeal process.
"Luckily they managed to find a way that I was going to serve my suspension in another way, and that I was going to be available for the first two games," Cosgrove said.
His availability is a boost for the reigning champions, who made history in May by becoming the first New Zealand side to win an A-League grand final, defeating Sydney FC.
The Black Knights have undergone significant changes during the off-season, with championship-winning coach Steve Corica departing alongside several key players including Jesse Randall, Guillermo May, Dan Hall andLouis Verstraete.
The departures leave Moreira with a reshaped squad as Auckland look to build on last season's historic title-winning campaign.
Auckland begin their title defence under new head coach Pedro Moreira when they host Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium on Saturday.
SHARE ME