The failure of Football Federation Australia (FFA) to respect the rights of the Matildas has seen the players withdraw from their Sydney based camp ahead of an upcoming USA tour.

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Chief Executive Adam Vivian confirmed the players’ decision to not attend the camp after further talks with FFA today failed to secure a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Following the expiration of the Matildas CBA, the players are under no contractual obligation to undertake any Matildas related activities.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, however the players feel they have been left with little option as the current proposal is simply unacceptable,” said Vivian

“FFA has failed to recognise the significant sacrifices the Matildas players are forced to make in playing for their country. Their proposal would see players continue to be:

 

>> unfairly remunerated for the work they undertake;

>> denied access to a high performance environment, which dramatically reduces their ability to         compete  with the world’s best; and

>> restricted in their ability to grow the women’s game.

 

“The players have sought to have their contribution to the game respected. The current proposal from FFA highlights their unwillingness to meaningfully address the core issues.”

Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams said the players stand united in this action.

“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” said Williams. “However it’s simply unfair to continue to expect us to make enormous sacrifices to play for Australia.

“For the past two months the players have been unpaid and have made every attempt to reach an agreement that gives the women’s game a platform for growth.

“This is about the future of Australian football. We want to establish football as the sport of choice for Australian women, and we want to be one of the best nations in the world.

“FFA’s stance indicates that they do not share these ambitions, nor do they understand and respect what we have given to the game. We are simply asking FFA do their bit so we can grow the game together.

“The players would like to thank the public for their longstanding support and encourage the Australian football community to back us in our fight to ensure the rights of female athletes are protected.”

 

Media

Beau Busch | Media and Communications Manager

PH: +61 (0) 432 763 485

E: beau@pfa.net.au