Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today paid tribute to outgoing PFA  Executive Committee Members Shane Stefanutto, Bruce Djite and Jon McKain.

Appointed to the PFA Executive in 2008, former Socceroo McKain played a key role in securing the first ever Matildas collective bargaining agreement (CBA), increased benefits for the PFA’s Matildas, Socceroos and A-League members through subsequent collective bargaining negotiations and the establishment of the PFA Player Development Program.

Having recently secured the A-League Championship with his club Adelaide United, Djite was instrumental in securing the historic ‘whole of game’ CBA, the establishment of the inaugural Erase Racism Round and the further enhancement of PFA player development and wellbeing services.

Following his recent retirement, Stefanutto departs the PFA Executive after six years of service. The three times A-League Champion and Socceroo defender was pivotal in the PFA taking control of the Player Development Program, the growth of the players’ association and in securing the whole of game CBA, which has seen many additional benefits flow to PFA members.

PFA Chairman Craig Foster paid tribute to the trio and thanked them for their significant contribution to the game and the players.

“These players have served with distinction and should be very proud of all they have achieved on the PFA Executive,” said Foster.

“They depart the players’ association leaving it well equipped to take advantage of the next exciting stage of growth for the game.

“I would also like to particularly acknowledge the outstanding career of Shane Stefanutto. Many of our Executive Members have been multiple championship winners which demonstrates the important PFA ideal of champion players representing and protecting the interests of the rest of the profession.

“Legendary players in Australian football have consistently put their fellow professionals ahead of themselves and fought for both the profession and the broader game and this is something we are all very proud of. Shane has been a model professional on and off the pitch and I have no doubt that he has plenty to offer the game in any role he looks to pursue.

“On behalf of our members I thank our outgoing Executive Members and wish them all the very best for the future.”

In accordance with the PFA Rules an announcement on who will fill the casual vacancies on the PFA Executive will be made in due course.