FFA, clubs claim CBA offer a good bargain for players

Football Federation Australia and the A-League clubs have convened to put on the table the new collective bargaining agreement that expires on Tuesday.

Damien de Bohun, the head of the A-League.

A-League boss Damien de Bohun (Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

FFA and the 10 clubs have reaffirmed that the new CBA offer remains and is ready for immediate acceptance by Professional Footballers Australia on behalf of A-League players.

The key features of the new CBA offer for the A-League are:

:: A six-year commitment offering sustainability, stability and increased player payments;
:: Immediate introduction of new salary cap exemptions and flexibilities that amount to a forecast increase of 12 per cent in player payments for next season;
:: A 30 per cent share for players of any uplift in the next domestic broadcast rights deal;
:: An increase in the salary floor to 90 per cent of the salary cap;
:: An increase in the minimum A-League salary to $55,000; and
:: Further investment in the PFA Player Development Program.

A-League head Damien de Bohun said that the CBA proposal continues the trend of rewarding A-League players for their commitment.

"Over the life of the A-League, the salary cap has increased by an average of more than seven per cent each year and there is scope for a further 12 per cent uplift next season," said de Bohun.

"It's not just about the salaries, as the CBA proposal provides greater flexibility for clubs in retaining players and invests in players' well-being.

"Any suggestion that there has been, or will be, a salary freeze is simply not accurate. Over the past three years A-League players have received a 13 per cent increase in total payments while at the same time most clubs have continued to run operating deficits and also invest heavily in upgraded facilities, youth development programs, and improving conditions for players."

Speaking on behalf of the A-League clubs, Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin said the new CBA was the best package of salary, benefits and certainty ever put to A-League players.

The CBA proposal improves the career of A-League players in terms of salaries, longer-term contracting and contract security," said Griffin. "That's what players have been asking for and that's why we believe it's a compelling offer.

At the same time, the clubs remain disappointed that the PFA executive continues to push totally unrealistic demands after six months of transparent and detailed negotiations.

In an environment in which the majority of clubs are making ongoing investments while running operating deficits, the CBA proposal is a commonsense outcome for all parties."

The A-League clubs have reaffirmed their support for FFA to progress implementation of the improvements contained in the CBA proposal by regulation if a formal agreement with the PFA can't be reached.

We are determined to make sure that the players will not be left worse off by the stance the PFA is taking," de Bohun said.

A new CBA would provide certainty for all, but we could put these initiatives in place by other means if necessary."


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3 min read
Published 29 June 2015 6:05pm
Updated 29 June 2015 6:18pm
Source: SBS

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