Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) can confirm that Michael McGlinchey has sought the advice of the PFA regarding his contractual status following the end of his loan period with J-League club Vegalta Sendai, which followed changes to the ownership and license of the Central Coast Mariners.
Through its lawyers, the PFA advised Michael that, after the loan period, he became a free agent and was therefore entitled to sign with the club of his choice
Michael has since signed with Wellington Phoenix and is, in the PFA’s view, permitted to train, play and partake in all activities with the A-League club in accordance with his contract.
Neither the PFA nor Michael has received any formal correspondence from the Central Coast Mariners contesting this position.
The PFA has today written to Football Federation Australia (FFA) seeking confirmation that Michael will be registered as a player of Wellington Phoenix in accordance with his rights under FFA regulations and as a professional footballer.