South Melbourne FC knew about claims of unpaid wages, says players union
South Melbourne says it had no knowledge of disputes with players over unpaid wages but the players union says that’s not the case.
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South Melbourne FC’s claims that it knew nothing of allegations from three ex-players over unpaid wages have been refuted by the players union.
Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) confirmed that it is involved in “a number of disputes with South Melbourne” and that it is seeking the involvement of both FFV and Football Federation Australia after previous attempts “to resolve the matters amicably” had not worked.
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The Daily Telegraph revealed on Tuesday that SMFC is alleged to have withheld payments to the players after they signed termination agreements, in at least one case going back to 2018.
Three ex-players say they are owed almost $12,000 by SMFC, who claimed in a statement this week that they had never been contacted by the PFA to discuss the alleged non-payment.
“South Melbourne advised the author it has not had any contact from the PFA or Football Victoria on any such player dispute,” the statement said, insisting the story was “aimed at discrediting NPL clubs and the biggest, South Melbourne FC, in particular”.
But the PFA confirmed it has escalated the dispute by writing to both FFV and FFA to seek a tribunal to hear the claims. Currently Australian players at NPL level have no way to chase money except via legal action, whereas visa players can apply to FIFA for determination.
“The PFA confirms it has written to FV and FFA seeking a determination to a number of disputes with South Melbourne,” a spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph.
“Unfortunately attempts to resolve the matters amicably in the past have failed.
“FIFA has a dispute resolution forum for internationals and we are asking the states to do the same, which we believe they are under an obligation to do, to ensure Australian players have access to a remedy without the cost and delay of the courts.”
In the letter to FFV and FFA, the PFA argues that the Victorian governing body is obliged to hear the players’ claims of unpaid wages under the FFA’s constitution, and says “there remain other grievances within your territory which also require resolution”.