Research & 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 2023/24, the PFA produced four major research reports, analysing the Matildas' performances and the players' experience during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia, the annual A-League Men and Women reports, and also a new report analysing the A-Leagues impact on climate change.
PFA Matildas 2023 World Cup Report
In a major report, the PFA analysed all aspects of the Matildas 2023 World Cup campaign. The report provided four key recommendations to ensure the continued growth and success of women's football:
- A-League Women to become a full-time professional competition
- Equalisation of World Cup prize money
- Increase club solidarity fund
- Consultation with players on scheduling
Stoppage Time
The report explores the impact of climate on Australia and New Zealand's professional domestic football competitions, the A-Leagues.
It explores the climate’s impact on the A-Leagues and professional players, including extreme heat, bushfires, flooding and rain. It also examines football’s impact on climate and proposes solutions clubs and the A-Leagues can adopt to mitigate their impact.
PFA A-League Women 2023-24 Report
The PFA’s 2023-24 A-League Women Report is the eighth annual review of Australia and New Zealand's premier women's football competition.
The report outlines key challenges and opportunities for the league’s growth, offering four core recommendations based on player feedback, global football trends, and A- League Women developments.
PFA A-League Men 2023-24 Report
This report is informed by comprehensive player feedback, and includes analysis of global football trends, and recent league developments, offering critical insights for the future of Australia and New Zealand's premier men's football competition.
For the first time, the report includes viewpoints from a range of football stakeholders, including players and key industry figures such as the Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix Executive teams and Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Mark Jackson. Their insights complement the PFA's annual player survey, which received responses from 191 A-League Men players following the 2023-24 season.