Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) President Simon Colosimo today announced the members of the PFA’s negotiating team for the new A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The new CBA is to replace the current deal from 1 April 2013 and after FFA’s new media rights agreement has been negotiated.

Colosimo said the players’ preparation for the negotiations has been extensive, and the PFA is looking forward to working with FFA and the A-League clubs.

“The players have an absolute commitment to the growth and wellbeing of the game.  Over many years the players have demonstrated that they are an extremely responsible partner in the game however this should not preclude the players from seeking a fair and equitable CBA.

“The negotiation of a new CBA should be a cooperative and seamless process for the game.  After all, the PFA and A-League players:

• will continue to agree to a salary cap that ensures players receive a fair and equitable share of game revenue and helps all clubs compete on the field and remain viable off it;

• seek in return a genuine career path with a reasonable level of investment in player education and development to help players prepare for life after football; and

• simply want basic protections such as contract security and insurance in the event of injury.”

The PFA also announced the finalisation of its bargaining team to represent A-League players in the negotiation:

• Brendan Schwab, negotiator and legal counsel

• Nick Holland, incoming PFA Chief Executive

• Simon Colosimo, PFA President

• PFA Executive members Shane Stefanutto, Bruce Djite, Jon McKain and Travis Dodd

• A-League player representatives Jacob Burns, Pascal Bosschaart, Andrew Durante and Ante Covic

“All players understand that this will be the most important negotiation about their career path in the history of Australian football.  The new CBA will define that career path for the next generation of players.

“It is very important the players are at the table and a key part of the negotiations,” Colosimo added.

The work of the negotiating team will be supported by expert consultants and senior members of the PFA management team, including Chairman John Poulakakis, Player Development Executive Daniel Kowalski, lawyer Laura Sigal (Manager, Player Advocacy) and Player Relations Executive Nathan Meade.

For the 2011/12 PFA CBA Facts Book, click hereFor the PFA CBA Position paper, click here