A-League clubs are on notice to settle all debts to current and former players by the end of the year or face a possible points deduction.

As part of the competition’s new collective bargaining agreement, which was signed off last week, tough new rules around contract security have been introduced to give players greater protection than ever before.

Clubs have been given until January 1 to meet all outstanding financial obligations - including unpaid salaries, superannuation, match fees and other bonuses – to players, or new sporting sanctions can be imposed. After January 1 an A-League player will be able to provide his club with written notice alleging non-payment, giving them two days to rectify the situation.

If the player still hasn’t been paid, they can take the issue to an independent arbitrator and if the arbitrator rules in the player’s favour, a transfer embargo will be enforced, prohibiting the club from signing new players. If, seven days later, the player remains unpaid, a suspended points deduction of four points will be triggered, with the points to be taken off clubs after 14 days.

Had the new rules been enforced earlier this year, Brisbane Roar would have entered the new A-League season on -4 points, having at one stage delivered monthly wages to players more than two weeks late. “Contract security was a fundamental component of the CBA negotiations for the players,” Professional Footballers Australian chief executive Adam Vivian said. “Over the course of the two previous seasons approximately $1.5 million was outstanding to players and this needed to be addressed.”

“The players were extremely determined to address this and through the CBA negotiations we have made great headway. The agreement reached between FFA and PFA gives players far greater certainty in relation to receiving their entitlements and goes a long way to ensuring their contracts are respected.”

Several A-League clubs are understood to owe money to players, with some notorious for their non-payment of entitlements such as superannuation. Fringe Socceroo Luke Brattan was able to leave Brisbane Roar because his superannuation wasn’t up to date, paving the way for his recent signing to Manchester City. However, the Roar has since vowed to settle all of the club’s debts, to players, staff and local businesses, by January.



