The PFA, on behalf of all New Zealand Knights players, is continuing negotiations with the FFA with a view to ensuring the players’ contracts are protected following the licence being revoked by the FFA last week.

The commitment to good faith negotiations forms part of the agreement struck on Saturday between the PFA and FFA that saw the Knights players retained for the remainder of the 2006/2007 A-League season whilst preserving the legal rights of the players.

Steve Milicevic, the PFA’s Head of Player Relations, travelled to Auckland yesterday to meet with each of the players and discuss their individual circumstances. After analysing this information, the PFA will be putting a series of proposals to the FFA with the objective of ensuring a fair and equitable outcome for each player.

PFA Executive Chairman Brendan Schwab rejected FFA Head of Operations Matt Carroll’s assertion in the media that the PFA considered the terms offered to Knights players to be “more than generous”.

“We were deeply disappointed, not only in the terms offered, but in the manner in which they were offered.” Schwab said.

“What’s important is for the players not to be presented with an ultimatum, but with options which can enable them to manage their professional and personal circumstances successfully.

“The difficult circumstances of each player are not only financial, but include footballing options, residency, family, immigration status and long term injury.”

Knights captain Darren Bazeley refuted claims made in the media that the players refused to play in last Sunday’s game against Melbourne Victory.

“It was never a case of not playing. We just wanted time to go through the contracts the FFA put in front of us,” Bazeley told the New Zealand Herald.

“What they were proposing was that we should sign new contracts with the FFA through to January 21. In doing that, the players who have to agree to forgo any further claims. We needed legal advice and time to check it out,” Bazeley added.

Following lengthy negotiations, the PFA can confirm that players will be paid their outstanding entitlements today.