Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) today welcomed the announcement by Football Federation Australia (FFA) that Nathan Tinkler had extended his ownership of the Newcastle Jets in the A-League until 2020, which ensured the long-term future of the club.
While the announcement comes as a relief for Newcastle players, Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury players remain restless about their future employment.
Many Gold Coast and Fury players are currently in the final season of their Contract, which means that they are now able to negotiate new employment with new clubs as the Contract window opened up today for all A-League players whose employment expires at the end of the 2010/2011 A-League season. Both clubs are yet to offer any of their current players new Contracts and have advised them that they are not in a position to do so at present.
PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab commented on the issues associated with the opening of the Contract window for players at each club.
“With the Contract window now open, the need for clarity on the long-term future of Gold Coast and the Fury is urgent,” Schwab said. “With only one exception, all Fury players’ Contracts end on 31 March 2011, so the players will have no option but to look elsewhere for employment unless their club’s long-term future is secured,” Schwab added.
The uncertainty of Gold Coast’s and the Fury’s future is especially worrying for players who have multiple season Contracts. These players are currently prevented from finding new employment and may lose their existing employment should their club fold.
Any player who requires clarification or further information regarding the Contract window should feel free to contact the PFA for advice.
