Football Federation Australia (FFA), Newcastle Jets and Jason Culina have agreed to settle their long-running grievance, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Chief Executive Brendan Schwab announced today.
As a result, the scheduled June hearings of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber under the A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement will not proceed.
“The PFA is pleased that FFA, Newcastle Jets and Jason have reached a settlement by mutual agreement, the commercial terms of which are confidential,” Schwab said. “As a result, Jason’s employment agreement with the Jets has also been terminated and he is free to continue his playing career elsewhere in the A-League.
“I would like to congratulate Jason on the determination and professionalism he has shown throughout the course of the dispute. At all times, he has remained focussed on his rehabilitation and ensuring he is able to return to elite level professional football as soon as possible,” Schwab added.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley has praised Culina on his professional career and hopes to see him back playing again in the Hyundai A-League, “Jason Culina is a world class athlete who has represented Australia at two World Cups and in over 50 national team matches,” said Mr Buckley.
“Personally I hope Jason can return to full fitness and resume his impressive playing career in the Hyundai A-League.”
Culina said he was pleased he was now able to put the matter behind him, and focus on securing his professional future within the A-League.
“I look forward to resuming my playing career as soon as I have completed my rehabilitation, which is proceeding very well,” Culina said.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of FFA and the Newcastle Jets to achieve a settlement and to avoid further legal proceedings. I would also like to thank the PFA for the support it has shown me throughout especially Chief Executive Brendan Schwab and Player Advocacy Manager Laura Sigal,” he added.
ENDS
