Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) today welcomed the announcement by Football Federation Australia (FFA) that Newcastle United Jets will continue in the A-League.
PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab said FFA’s announcement has come as a relief to the Jets’ players, who have led by example during the uncertain weeks in which the club’s future was being negotiated.
The PFA will continue negotiations with FFA and the club over the player contracts, as some issues are still to be resolved.
“We have only been given an assurance until the end of the season,” Schwab said. “A significant number of Jets players have longer term deals, so it is essential they are fully respected. We also need to ensure all outstanding entitlements of the Jets’ current and former players are honoured.
“With the A-League contract window for 2011/2012 opening on 1 October, the need for clarity beyond the current season is urgent,” Schwab added.
The PFA also recognised, Con Constantine, who has owned Newcastle since the final seasons of the old National Soccer League.
“Obviously Con and the PFA have had some differences over the years,” Schwab said. “However, Con is a passionate Newcastle man who is deeply committed to the future of Australian football and the A-League. He has made a significant contribution to the game, highlighted, of course, by securing Newcastle’s place in the old National Soccer League, agreeing to become a foundation owner in the A-League and the Jets’ A-League championship in 2007/2008.”
