Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today announced that Matt McKay has stepped down from his role as PFA President.
With his partner having recently given birth to his first child, McKay said the time was right to hand over responsibilities due to his increased duties at home and as captain of the Brisbane Roar.
Having been appointed to the role in 2014, McKay played an integral role in a number of the PFA’s key achievements, including:
>> the establishment of the historic ‘whole of game’ collective bargaining agreement;
>> boosting of the PFA’s player development and wellbeing services; and
>> implementation of the comprehensive review of the PFA.
McKay said he was honoured to have represented his fellow players for the past two years.
“The time is right for me to step down from the role,” said the Socceroos midfielder. “I was privileged to follow in the footsteps of former PFA Presidents Simon Colosimo, Alex Tobin, Kimon Taliadoros and Greg Brown and will forever be grateful for the faith that was shown in me to take on the role.
“This was not a decision I took lightly and I will continue to play an active role with the PFA and I wish the players’ association all the very best for the future.”
PFA Chairman Craig Foster paid tribute to the impact McKay had on Australian football as President.
“Matt’s commitment and passion to support the players, both in Australia and internationally, has been exemplary and he has carried the responsibility of the Presidency with distinction,” said Foster.
“On behalf of all our members we wish Matt and his family the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the game and the players.”
In accordance with the PFA rules an announcement regarding the PFA Presidency will be made in due course.
