More good news for the Hyundai A-League
Australia’s Hyundai A-League players have today celebrated another first for the domestic league competition with the signing of an historic five year agreement between Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).
Australia-s Hyundai A-League players have today celebrated another first for the domestic league competition with the signing of an historic five year agreement between Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Australian Professional Footballers- Association (PFA).
“This is another good news day for the Hyundai A-League,” FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said.
“This collective bargaining agreement gives the Hyundai A-League clubs and our professional football players long term certainty and clarity in their working conditions and circumstances, as well as their rights and responsibilities, for the next five seasons.”
The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which runs until the end of the 2013 Hyundai A-League season, covers issues such as the salary cap, the minimum wage, career development programs and player entitlements.
“The new agreement contains measures which are very important to professional players such as an increase in the minimum wage, increased and improved entitlements related to career-ending injury, access to medical services and relocation, and a continuing commitment to player education and development through My Football Career,” Buckley said.
He added that the CBA will also assist Hyundai A-League clubs to plan and budget within an agreed framework.
The CEO of the PFA, Brendan Schwab, also welcomed the landmark agreement.
“From a player perspective, the CBA gives players a clear framework and confidence in their capacity to plan their life and build a career around football,” Schwab said.
“Ultimately, the FFA and the PFA have the same objective - to help grow the game of football and to give players a rewarding career path.
“This CBA goes a long way to helping achieve that,” Schwab said.
Buckley and Schwab were joined by PFA President and Sydney FC player, Simon Colosimo who said the finalisation of the CBA will help build confidence and trust between players, clubs and the FFA.
“I played in the former national league as well as the Hyundai A-League, and I can honestly say that this is a fantastic day for the players.
“We really appreciate the efforts of both the FFA and the PFA in negotiating and finalising this agreement, and I can say on behalf of the Hyundai A-League players, that we-re looking forward to getting on the park for the new season - and beyond.”
SUMMARY OF HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Term Covers 5 seasons from 2008-09 to 2012-13 season
Salary Cap ($1.8m in 2007-08) Increase to $1.9m for season 4; $2m in season 5; $2.1m in season 6; then increased in line with CPI
Minimum wage (currently $30k) Increase to $35k for U21 for season 4 then increased in line with CPI Increase to $42k for 21+ for season 4, $45k for season 5 then increased in line with CPI
Marquee player Guaranteed outside salary cap
Additional Service Agreements 25% of salary cap so increases commensurately with salary cap increase
Match payments to injured players Commenced from season 3 (ie. 2007-08)
Career ending insurance FFA to obtain on players- behalf
Relocation allowances Increased - scale of $10k to $25k depending on circumstances
Other player entitlements Increased tickets to matches; guaranteed time off for educational/development purposes
Player appearances/Use of image rights Timely schedules to be provided for player commitments; FFA and Club sponsor protection ensured
Medical standards FFA to develop minimum standards
Career development programs Commitment to continuation of My Football Career
Player Contract term Ends 31 March (reduces long off-season)
Registration period Increased to 12 weeks (until end August) - aligns with European window
Role of PFA FFA to provide funding to PFA for PFA to further their role in career guidance education and development and retirement options