South Melbourne FC is aware of an article released at 5:30pm Friday 12 October 2018 by Clement Tito on FTBL.com.au, published by nextmedia Pty. Ltd. pertaining to matters between the club and current and former players/employees.

Whilst the club avoids making public comment regarding these matters, the club provides the following information in the interests of accuracy and transparency.

Player contracts

In circumstances where players have breached their contractual obligations, the club will continue to work with the players and the PFA to resolve any dispute.

Player contract – Liam McCormick

The club received a request from Liam McCormick to be released and the club agreed to the mutual termination of the contract to allow the player to play more regularly. The club has reviewed its records pertaining to the mutual contract termination with Liam McCormick and can confirm no amount was owing at the time it was signed.

The club is disappointed by the comments made by Liam McCormick given the assistance provided by the club and the agreement made to release him early from his contract.

Superannuation payments

The club complied with all its obligations to Despina Donato in November 2017 and the club has co operated fully with enquiries from the Australian Taxation Office in that respect. The club always maintains its commitment to ensuring all of its workers are paid their lawful entitlements.

On two occasions over the last week the article author Clement Tito spoke to club President Leo Athanasakis. On both occasions Leo offered to open up the club books to demonstrate appropriate payments being made and to show any associated documentation he wanted to see in relation to any of the claims and allegations he was making.

On both of these occasions, Clement Tito declined this opportunity.

In relation to the claims made in the article, the club is very comfortable with its position in relation to players who have breached their respective contracts and/or negotiated their departures from South Melbourne Football Club.

The club is considering its legal options in relation to the claims and allegations made in this article. The club will not make any further comment at this time.