Players to consider 'whole of game' agreement at mass meeting

Players from the A-League, Socceroos and Matildas will gather for a mass meeting in Melbourne on Sunday to consider proposals resulting from lengthy collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between their union, Professional Footballers Australia, and Football Federation Australia.

Australia

PFA president Matt McKay has stressed the importance of Sunday's meeting. (Getty) Source: Getty Images

But as late as Saturday it was not certain whether a final agreement on a "whole of game" CBA could be reached at the meeting because negotiations on key points were still continuing.

A PFA spokesperson provided a statement to The World Game on Saturday, which read: "Sunday’s mass player meeting is another important element of the PFA extensive organising during the CBA negotiations.

"Over the course of the meeting the PFA’s Matildas, Socceroos and A-League members will consider and evaluate the proposals from the most recent CBA negotiations.

"The players remain committed to establishing a 'whole of game' collective bargaining agreement to cover the Socceroos, Matildas and A-League players."

The difficult negotiations have continued for so long that former existing CBA agreements covering the different groups of players have already run out.

There have been further negotiations in recent days.

The midday meeting will be attended by many players from within Australia, while others from both here and overseas are expected to use the teleconferencing facilities available to follow proceedings.

Brisbane Roar and Socceroo player Matt McKay, who is the PFA president, recently made a statement on the PFA website stressing the importance of Sunday's meeting.

"With the recent expiration of the A-League, Socceroos and Matildas’ Collective Bargaining Agreements, it is essential that all players are informed and able to advise the PFA about the proposals," McKay said.

"In preparation for the General Meeting, the PFA has met with all A-League playing groups as well as the Socceroos and Matildas delegates committees.

"Whilst negotiations are currently ongoing, the PFA plans to present the players with a comprehensive proposal, which in accordance with the rules of the PFA they will then evaluate."


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 8 August 2015 2:19pm
By Greg Prichard

Share this with family and friends