Former players of the defunct Carlton Soccer Club have received their match payments- almost six years after the Club went into administration.
With the support of the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), twenty-six players secured over $700,000 in unpaid wages, superannuation and damages.
The PFA successfully established the amount owing to the players was close to $1.7million.
Because the debts of Carlton SC significantly exceeded the income retrieved from its share of the transfers of Socceroos Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella, each player received well under half of the amount owed.
Throughout 2000, Carlton players went long periods without wages before the club officially collapsed in December of that year. Many of the players never played professionally again.
“It has been a long struggle for the players to receive some justice from an awful situation,” said PFA Chief Executive John Didulica, “and it highlights the sorts of perils players have historically faced in pursuing long-term careers in Australia.”
“Symbolically, on the weekend that Melbourne experienced its greatest ever night in domestic football, it closes the book on one of its sorriest chapters.”
“On behalf of the players, the PFA would like to thank the administrators, James Condon, but particularly Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella for playing such good football, which allowed for recovery!”
Carlton players involved in the administration now in the A-League include Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory) and Robert Middleby (Sydney FC).
