FFA boss David Gallop has expressed frustration that the upcoming A-League season could be launched without a new collective bargaining agreement being ratified by the players’ union.
The competition’s 11th season will kick off on Thursday night with Professional Footballers Australia still to sign off on a new CBA.
Gallop said the two parties had agreed to terms for a four-year whole-of-game deal that would take in the Socceroos, Matildas and A-League, but is disappointed the protracted discussions have taken away from the league’s build-up.
“I am frustrated at the time that it’s taken,” Gallop said at the season launch in Sydney.
“Indications from the PFA leadership are that the deal is agreed but needs to be ratified. We wanted that to happen last week.
“I certainly call on it to happen this week, so that we can settle in for the season.”
Gallop denied he feared the lengthy negotiations would prevent the season kicking off.
“The fans would expect that the games would go ahead in any circumstances and the PFA recognise that as well,” he said.
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Gallop launched the start of the A-League today. A record 84 Countries, outside of Australia and New Zealand, will broadcast A-League matches or highlights this season with a potential reach in excess of 250 million viewers. Gallop said the A-League had cracked the mainstream of Australian society "and that's a big deal". He also said: “Football has the most tech savvy and connected fans in Australian Sport,”