Players Union Expresses Concerns Over A-Leagues Management Decisions

Professional Footballers Australia, the players’ union, has publicly raised issues regarding the management decisions of the A-Leagues by operator APL, breaking the usual private protocols in the football industry. This comes after controversial choices such as the timing of the A-League Grand Final, failure to secure an owner for the Newcastle Jets, and recent staff layoffs at the APL headquarters.

The PFA’s co-chief executive, Beau Busch, emphasized that players want to have a say in decisions that affect them directly. He noted that the current model lacks true partnership between players and clubs, ultimately impacting the entire football industry.

Since the A-Leagues split from FFA in 2020, the APL, controlled by club owners, governs the leagues with limited input from players. Recent decisions, including the addition of teams from Auckland and potentially Canberra, have raised concerns about player welfare and career prospects.

Kate Gill, the PFA’s co-CEO, highlighted that the APL’s decision-making in recent years has been inconsistent and has negatively impacted players, fans, and stakeholders. The players, who cooperated during the pandemic, now question whether the current dynamic is maximizing the game’s potential.

Issues stem from the unbundling process that excluded the PFA, leaving them out of critical negotiations. The FA‘s spokesperson stated that the separation from FFA aimed at ensuring the long-term success of professional football in Australia.

The APFCA’s vision outlined in the Blueprint for an Independent Future five years ago emphasized transparency in the expansion process, a crucial aspect that the PFA believes is lacking under the current governance model.

Despite layoffs and financial opacity due to its trust structure, the APL recently announced a new owner for Perth Glory, Ross Pelligra, offering a new beginning for the club. The hope is that this transition will allow for a rebuilding phase.