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Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) say the Socceroos are committed to the World Cup qualification process despite the expiration of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and a cancelled memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The PFA issued a statement on Monday night saying participation in matches wouldn’t be an issue and “community, media and charitable work whilst in camp” would also be undertaken.
“However, in the absence of a CBA, the players have elected not to perform any additional work, namely commercial activities and appearances on behalf of FFA,” the statement continued.
The PFA said FFA’s withdrawal of the MOU on August 14, following the expiration of the June 30 CBA left players with no legal protection.
“In an environment where their rights are being attacked, the players are unwilling to continue to undertake commercial appearances,” the statement said.
“The Socceroos position will not change until an agreement is struck and the rights of all A-League, Matildas and Socceroos players are once again protected by a CBA.”
In response the FFA said fans would suffer by missing out on opportunities to see the players ahead of their match against Bangladesh in Perth on Thursday.
“This action by the PFA will deny many people a rare opportunity to see Socceroo players in Perth,” said FFA CEO Gallop.
“We deeply regret that many people will be left disappointed.
“The players are obviously acting under the direction of the PFA, but this manoeuvre is a backward step in the game’s mission to maximise our commercial opportunities.
“One must ask whether our senior national team players have had the game’s financial position explained to them so that they understand the affordability aspects of the negotiation.”
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