Player contracts a hurdle for FFA if A-League hiatus drags out

The contracts of over 100 A-League players are set to expire before the 2019-20 season recommences.

Sydney FC player Anthony Caceres trains by himself at Bondi Beach. The players' union is pushing for A-League players to be able to recommence group training early next month. Picture: Getty Images

The contracts of more than 100 ­ A-League players are set to expire before the 2019-20 season recommences.

Football Federation Australia CEO James Johnson on Thursday reiterated his intention to complete the current season, which has been suspended since March 24 due to travel restrictions and social distancing rules implemented to combat the coronavirus crisis.

However, Johnson conceded it was “difficult to see” the season restarting before the end of May at the earliest.

A June return clouds the future and livelihood of several players, with the contracts of more than 40 per cent of A-League footballers expiring on May 31.

Professional Footballers Association CEO John Didulica said the matter required “urgent” ­attention.

World football’s governing body FIFA has recommended and approved extending player contracts beyond June 30 to allow seasons in a number of nations to be completed.

“The players remain ready, willing and able to complete the season and support FFA’s commitment to finishing the season,” Didulica said. “Whilst we acknowledge that the reactivation of the season will need to navigate complex health, economic and integrity challenges, a strong desire remains to play on.

“The next steps are to create certainty around player contracting and ambition on a clear timeline. These are areas we can collectively control and we need to address urgently.”

Didulica also called for A-League players to be permitted to restart “group training” — currently not allowed — early next month, similar to the “apparent permission” granted to NRL clubs to do the same.

“If this opportunity is afforded the NRL, then there is no reason why it wouldn’t apply equally to the A-League and allow players to recommence group training.” he said. “This timeline will support the management of heightened player wellbeing challenges and ensure underprepared players are not exposed to undue risk upon their return.”

Johnson said FFA’s priority was the “health and safety of all players and staff”.

“Secondly, we will need to meet all government restrictions in place at the time, including state/territory border controls,” Johnson said.

“Finally, any decision to resume will be made in full alignment with government and its medical advisers. We will resume play as soon as possible, and the first stage would see the players return to training.

“We would then schedule matches. It is difficult to see that process beginning before the end of May, but we will work with all stakeholders to achieve the earliest possible resumption.”

FFA will provide a further update next month.

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