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A-League players are “considering legal and industrial” avenues after a major breakdown in talks over a pay deal for next season.
Negotiations between players and league bosses in Melbourne on Thursday failed to produce an agreement, meaning the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) will expire on June 30.
It’s understood the major obstacle is a reluctance from Football Federation Australia to raise the A-League salary cap beyond its current level at $2.55 million per club.
PFA chief executive Adam Vivian said FFA’s offer didn’t meet player expectations, who have already endured “four years of wage restraint”.
“This proposal would represent six consecutive years of restraint,” he told AAP.
“The players are committed to negotiating in good faith and have not shut the door on resuming the negotiations.
“As it stands for the first time in seven years the players will not enjoy the protections of the CBA and the players will now consider their legal and industrial options.”
With no next meeting set, Vivian said he would write to FFA on Friday to resume negotiations.
A-League players Bruce Djite and Matt McKay were in the discussions alongside PFA representatives.
The stand-off is likely to infuriate A-League clubs, who are looking for certainty to plan for their campaigns ahead.
The player most affected could be Archie Thompson, whose future at champions Melbourne Victory depends on the introduction of a ‘loyalty allowance’ yet to be confirmed.
The biggest difficulty for the FFA is the CBA’s expiration coming two years before a broadcast deal is due to be renewed.
Financial challenges at Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets are also likely to temper FFA enthusiasm to up player payments.
It’s understood salary cap increases are proposed in year three of FFA’s six-year deal, contingent on a new broadcast deal being reached.
Vivian said players were disappointed with the lack of vision displayed, suggesting to grow wages was to grow the league.
“The current proposal exacerbates the players’ concerns that the salary cap is being used to restrain wages rather than provide strong competition and grow the league,” he said.
“The losses attributable to some clubs are unrelated to player payments and are the result of mismanagement and poor governance and the players will no longer bear the burden of this.
“The relationship between financial viability and the salary cap in questionable and requires significant review.”
FFA has maintained a policy not to comment publicly during CBA negotiations, which also include a deal on Socceroos and Matildas pay. The peak body did not return AAP’s calls on Thursday night.
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