Research and Policy

The PFA is committed to shaping the future of Australian football – and footballers’ careers – through industry-leading research and analysis.

The PFA’s research and reports continue to entrench the organisation’s position as a thought leader in Australian football, which provides the players a powerful and credible voice.

Throughout 2022/23, the PFA produced four major research reports, analysing the Socceroos’ performances and the players’ experience during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, an assessment of Australia’s domestic men’s cup competition, the Australia Cup, and the A-League Men and Women competitions.

PFA Socceroos 2022 Qatar World Cup Report

In a major report, the PFA analysed all aspects of the Socceroos’ record-breaking 2022 World Cup campaign. Key findings included:

• The National Teams CBA underpinned a world class performance environment
• The Socceroos’ squad was young and inexperienced compared to previous tournaments, with strong A-League representation
• The tournament generated over US$10m in FIFA disbursements for Australian clubs and Football Australia, not including player payments
• The pandemic denied the Australian public at least seven Socceroos home matches, and the players emphasised the importance of playing more on home soil

An equivalent report for the Matildas’ 2023 World Cup campaign is in progress.

PFA Australia Cup Report 2022

Following previous studies covering 2014-16 and 2017, the PFA updated its analysis of the Australia Cup with a new report looking at the past four iterations of the competition. Key findings included:

• The prior trend of older ALM players and younger member federation players was erased or reversed
• Attendances have declined, with interest centred on matches involving at least one ALM club
• The economic framework of the competition is placing strain on all stakeholders, with FA struggling to commercialise its asset and clubs and players not rewarded for participating

PFA A-League Women 2022-23 Report

The PFA’s annual report covering the domestic women’s competition found positive trends even prior to the Women’s World Cup, underpinned by the 2021-2026 A-Leagues CBA. Key findings included:

• There was record investment in players and more long-term contracting
• Clubs benefited financially from FIFA’s World Cup Club Solidarity Fund
• The player survey found challenges in balancing football with other work and room for improvement in integrating the women’s teams into the broader A-League club

PFA A-League Men 2022-23 Report

The PFA’s annual report covering the domestic men’s competition found that, despite some public narratives, there was reason to be optimistic around the league’s trajectory. Key findings included:

• Clubs received a record $10m in transfer fees during the 2022-23 season
• The CBA drove record player payments and more stable contracting
• The league’s provision of World Cup Socceroos generated a multi-million-dollar windfall via FIFA’s Club Benefits Program

The PFA Post

The PFA Post, the organisation’s platform for shortform research and policy analysis, was rebooted in 2023 with a new series of editions including:

• The 2022 Men’s World Cup’s implications for youth development
• An explainer of Women’s World Cup prize money
• The Matildas’ arrival as a major commercial engine for FA
• Lessons from the WSL for A-League Women and the need for full professionalism
• The role of women players in generating the World Cup moment
• Highlights from the PFA’s longform reports

Player Survey Roadshow

The PFA’s annual surveys of A-League Women and Men players were enhanced to include index scores for each clubs’ performance in a number of key areas, from facilities to club culture.

These metrics were presented to APL and clubs to drive improvements where required and celebrate successes where deserved.