Professional Footballers Australia has slammed Perth Glory owner Tony Sage for standing down his players, saying it’s an unlawful action that will have legal consequences.
Tensions over a new A-League pay deal have been simmering for days, with Sage criticising players for not accepting a 30 per cent cut to wages.
Sage threatened he would be left no choice but to stand down players if they continued to refuse the new deal, and he issued players with a stand-down notice on Tuesday morning.
The PFA released a statement saying it was an “unlawful action” and that they will pursue legal action on behalf of the players.
“If you want to own and run a football club, you’re going to need players,” PFA co-chief executive Beau Busch said.
“These guys have made great sacrifices for this club and this action creates further challenges and ongoing uncertainty.
“Across Australia and New Zealand, other clubs are doing their best to work with their players while we continue to seek a collective bargaining agreement.
“We need to work together to get football back on its feet, and frankly, this is unhelpful.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has left the A-League in huge financial strife, and there are grave fears for what the league will look like next season and beyond.
Robin
Guest
Tony Sage has not taken this action because he wants to He has taken this action because he has no alternative The PFA are still living in their own weird world Their threats of legal action are ridiculous and just another example how football in Australia continues to self destruct The other codes just look at us and laugh The PFA rejected and offer of a 30% pay cut which would have reduced the average wage of an A League player to about $130,000 Some A League players are worth this amount A few are worth more The vast majority are worth less - much less Players will be paid what the owners / league can afford If that means a league full of enthusiastic youngsters who keen to learn while earning a good basic wage then bring it on The age of entitlement is over Deal with it!