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Soccer’s ugly pay war is all but over with Football Federation Australia and Professional Footballers Australia only days away from finalising a new collective bargaining agreement.
It’s understood the formal negotiation process between the two parties is over, and while some informal talks are ongoing, the last remaining hurdle is for Socceroos, Matildas and A-League players to approve the new deal, which is considered a foregone conclusion.
While that may take up to two weeks to complete, it means the start of the A-League season next week won’t be marred by industrial action and schedules for the men’s and women’s national teams will go ahead as normal.
“We’re in the midst of finalising the collective bargaining agreement with the players’ association and the players,” A-League chief Damien de Bohun told a Brisbane Roar members forum on Wednesday night.
“That will happen in the coming days, just to give you all some comfort.”
Having last month boycotted a planned tour of the United States, Matildas players will assemble in Sydney next week for a training camp, while Socceroos players are expected to begin arriving in Jordan from Sunday ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier next Thursday.
The Matildas stand to be the biggest beneficiaries of the new CBA, with the new deal set to make them full-time professional players for the first time.
According to reports, the Matildas have been offered a two-tiered deal with a minimum wage of $34,000, an increase from the current salary of $21,000.
A spokesman for the PFA said: “Professional Footballers Australia said it would not be making any public comment about offers made to members before they can be put to the players.
“This agreement is for the players and the future of the game in Australia.
“Progress has been made, players continue to be consulted and further comment will be made at the appropriate time.”
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