A-League target Scott Chipperfield will not play in Australia in the 2009/10 season but could return home the season after.

The FC Basel defender was tightly linked with a move to both North Queensland Fury and Central Coast Mariners and was also mentioned in the same line as the Newcastle Jets but it seems he will remain in Switzerland for now.

"Career-wise, maybe it might be a year too early as I want to play the World Cup and I may have more chance of being selected by staying in Europe one year more," he admitted to the Illawarra Mercury.

"I think family-wise it is time to move back, the kids are at the right age where they will settle in easily and the lifestyle with the sun and beaches would be good," he said.

"We decided if we move back then we want to be close to Wollongong - that way we can go to Wollongong on free days and it's easy for family and friends to come and watch games.

"Hopefully we can get an A-League team in Wollongong soon and most of the players come back."