Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today confirmed the Socceroos’ commitment to the World Cup qualification process.
The players’ assurance comes despite the expiry of the Socceroos Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on 30 June 2015, and Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) decision to terminate the longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FFA and the PFA on 14 August 2015.
The expiry of the CBA means that the players are not under any contractual obligation to participate in any Socceroos related activity.
In addition to confirming their participation in World Cup qualifiers, the players also resolved to participate in community, media and charitable work whilst in camp.
However, in the absence of a CBA, the players have elected not to perform any additional work, namely commercial activities and appearances on behalf of FFA.
“FFA’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the PFA through the termination of the MOU has left the players with no legal protection.
“In an environment where their rights are being attacked, the players are unwilling to continue to undertake commercial appearances.
“The Socceroos’ position will not change until an agreement is struck and the rights of all A-League, Matildas and Socceroos players are once again protected by a CBA.
“The players have requested that the PFA reassure the public that this will not distract them from the task of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
“The players’ professionalism is beyond question and their resolve to seal
the country’s fourth straight appearance at the World Cup is absolute.
“As a thank you for the invaluable support from the fans, the players will inform FFA of their willingness to undertake additional community and charity appearances in place of any scheduled commercial obligations.”
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Beau Busch | Media and Communications Manager
Ph: +61 (0) 432 763 485
