Football Australia sued by Socceroos and Matildas players

The Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has launched legal action in the NSW Supreme Court against Football Australia (FA) on behalf of Socceroos and Matildas players. The dispute involves a multi-million-dollar claim, with the union reportedly seeking a seven-figure sum.

The central issue concerns whether the governing body is properly servicing the revenue share agreement established in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Under this agreement, players receive between 18 and 20 per cent of relevant commercial revenues, including ticketing, broadcast, and sponsorship deals related to the national teams. While national teams contribute up to half of FA’s total revenues, players allege they are not receiving their fair share of these commercial arrangements.

This litigation follows other recent legal challenges for Football Australia, including an out-of-court settlement with Macarthur FC and an unfair dismissal case involving former chief football officer Ernie Merrick.