Professional Footballers Australia (the PFA) can confirm it is supporting Perth Glory in its appeal against the one-match suspension and financial sanction imposed on Tom Lawrence by Football Australia (FA) for an alleged Code of Conduct breach.
The PFA offered to support Auckland FC if it opted to appeal against the financial and match sanctions imposed on Sam Cosgrove. However, noting the potential consequences of an unsuccessful appeal, the club and player have accepted the sanctions.
PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said the penalties imposed in both matters raised broader concerns about FA’s disciplinary approach.
“We believe the sanctions in these two instances are disproportionate and FA is taking an overly officious approach to disciplining players,” Busch said.
“These recent sanctions represent a significant departure from how similar matters have historically been addressed within the professional game. The players are deeply committed to growing the game through their engagement with the fans and the media and rightfully expect FA to operate their regulatory function in a fair and reasonable manner.
“The PFA has long maintained that FA’s Code of Conduct, which has a material impact on the employment of professional players, must be collectively bargained and not unilaterally applied.”
