Quote Originally Posted by militiamon View Post
Keep in mind those systems are only in place because of the problems in the past. Interestingly enough, Jets players make the most use out of the PFA education fund out of all the clubs in the A-League. Good job on the club for organising that (though it is also probably indicative of the amount of young players we have at the club as well).

Anyway, my point remains that being a footballer is probably the shittest option for a career apart from a very, very small minority. If I were an 18 year old footballer who had the option of studying something that would lead to a well-paying professional career or a footballer, and my only concern was money, it would be an easy choice.

And I agree plague, they do play football because that's what they want to do, but it's still no excuse for giving them a shit deal because of it. They are still the real workers of this game, they deserve to enjoy the benefits. That's why I can sympathise with the arguments made by the PFA about an increase in income should result in an increase to players wages, but obviously it's not as simple as that given the current financial situation of the league.
The problem I see is what about all those salary increase that have happened over the past 7 years, when the owners were losing money frequently and the TV deal was static.

I don't think the PFA will go for a large slary increase any way, just look at the press releases they have been releasing....

PFA Wins CBA Insurance Ruling

The PFA has worked tirelessly to ensure that players receive all payments including their annual salary, match payments and superannuation even when injured.

Insurance for all A-League players has been a key requirement of the CBA and the PFA has previously expressed its concern should FFA ever fail to implement its fundamental obligation to insure all A-League players under the CBA.
Stability the Players' Priority

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), the exclusive representative body of A-League players, has restated its backing for the collectively bargained A-League agreement, describing the arrangement as pivotal to the success of the A-League and football in general in this country.

CEO Nick Holland noted the surge in TV audiences and attendances at Hyundai A-League games this season and commented that “the marquee signings, along with all the A-League players, have undoubtedly increased the appetite for football in Australia. As responsible partners in the game, we need to ensure we build on the great work that is being done by all parties in growing the game. The game will continue to grow only if we provide a quality competition with a great atmosphere that engages the fans. ” Holland said.

“The great start to the A-League season, combined with the restructuring of the competition to include the Western Sydney Wanderers, further reinforces the PFA’s long standing policy that quality, atmosphere, local clubs, engaging the community and increasing the visibility of the league are the key strategic pillars upon which the league and the game in general will build its success.”

Holland went on to say “At this critical time it is paramount that the game can show a genuine and stable career path to continue to attract the best possible talent. This must manifest itself as an investment into areas such as player education and development and just as importantly, basic protections such as contract security and insurance in the event of injury. Taking care of these issues is vital not only for the players but will undoubtedly accelerate the success of football in this country.”
What the players really seem to be lacking are the basic principles of having their contracts honoured , owners stop paying super at their pleasure, don't insure players properly, fold clubs leaving players out of pocket & that includes what the FFA does as an owner....