Fringe Socceroos midfielder Luke Brattan is a free agent after securing a release from his contract with embattled A-League club Brisbane.
Brattan had demanded a termination of his contract due to more than a year of outstanding superannuation payments, and an independent arbitrator ruled in his favour on Friday at a hastily convened hearing following an appeal from the Roar.
The arbitrator ruled Brattan was legally entitled to leave the Roar, having given the club the mandatory 14 days to remedy a financial breach of contract.
It means Brattan can sign with the club of his choice, with Europe his most likely destination.
Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief Adam Vivian said Brattan’s case was clear cut.
“The decision by the arbitrator highlights the consequences that clubs face when they fail to honour their financial obligations to players,” he said in a statement.
“The club has repeatedly breached the (standard player contract) by its longstanding failure to pay superannuation.
“The club’s conduct highlights why the PFA must act to protect the rights of the players in the absence of a collective bargaining agreement.”
It was a busy day for Brattan – he was also called into the Socceroos’ squad for coming World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajikistan.
Replacing injured captain Mile Jedinak, the 25-year-old has the ideal chance to showcase his wares to any potential new suitors.
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