Speculation about Scott Chipperfield's future has been put to bed after FC Basel officially announced the Socceroo has signed a contract extension with the Swiss club.In recent months the 33-year-old Australian international had been heavily linked with a return home to play in next season's Hyundai A-League with his Basel contract due to expire this June.
But Chipperfield has decided to re-sign with Basel for a further season with a view to playing a part in Australia's likely 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.
Therefore Chipperfield is officially tied to Basel until June 2010, before he could potentially be available for any A-League clubs to pursue his services, although by then he will be 34 years old.
The Socceroo had been in negotiations with new A-League franchise North Queensland Fury earlier this year whilst Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory and Central Coast were all reportedly interested in the former Wollongong Wolves man.
Chipperfield though had made it clear he felt moving back to Australia would harm his international career ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
But in March, Basel's Australian veteran told Swiss media, "Next season I would be a bench player, this is not my thing in the long-term. At FCB Valentin Stocker is the future."
The comment suggested Chipperfield felt his future wasn't at Basel but a recent run of great form, which has seen him score six goals in his last seven outings for Basel, has caused him to re-think that idea.
A move elsewhere in Europe wasn't ruled out by the Socceroo especially considering he trialled with German club Hertha Berlin in January.
But Basel's announcement confirms Chipperfield will remain at Sankt Jakob Park ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
In a statement released on the official FC Basel website, the club claimed Chipperfield's desire to be part of Australia's World Cup squad was a crucial factor in his decision to stay in Switzerland.
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