Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Chief Executive Brendan Schwab today issued the following statement in response to the decision of Football Federation Australia (FFA) to terminate the licence of Gold Coast United:

“The PFA Executive and A-League Club Delegates Committee will hold an urgent meeting tonight to consider FFA’s decision and its impact on the players and the A-League competition.

“At a minimum, the PFA will seek urgent discussions with FFA to reach agreement on 5 matters of concern:

  1. the honouring of all current player contracts, which expire on 30 April 2012, with 4 players contracted until 30 April 2013;
  2. the treatment and rehabilitation of injured players (to ensure that the insurance coverage is in place and that players have access to necessary facilities).  Gold Coast United presently has the worst injury record in the competition, with 16 players having missed matches by reason of injury this season.  7 are presently recovering from long-term injuries;
  3. the status of the work visas of foreign players;
  4. the payment of entitlements for players whose contracts have been terminated without cause (Peter Perchtold and Robson); and
  5. of course, the integrity of the A-League competition.  The last 4 Gold Coast United matches are against clubs in the top 6: Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory.  Given how well Gold Coast United is playing, these could have a major effect on the table and would throw the competition into disarray if not played.

“The PFA is disappointed it was not advised of FFA’s decision until immediately prior to FFA’s media announcement, which we regard as a breach of FFA’s consultative obligations under the A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“We would have liked to have been in a position to have reached agreement with FFA and the Club on all 5 matters before a decision was made by FFA.  I will hold discussions with FFA to find out why such a major decision like this was made in this manner.

“The PFA’s concerns over the security of A-League player contracts are again highlighted by today’s announcement.

“The PFA expects Gold Coast United owner Clive Palmer to take legal action and to seek an injunction to restrain FFA from implementing its decision.

“The PFA will be meeting with all Gold Coast United players tomorrow.”

Ends.