An ex-Matilda has accused current players of “greed” after Socceroos and Matildas stars launched legal action against Football Australia amid a major dispute.
Professional Footballers Australia, the players’ union, is chasing a multi-million-dollar sum from FA as part of an argument over a revenue share agreement between the governing body and players, according to AAP.
The case is set to be taken to the NSW Supreme Court.
It has been reported that uncertainty over whether players are getting their fair share of FA revenues is the key factor behind the shock lawsuit.
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The current collective bargaining agreement, which was signed in 2023, sees Socceroos and Matildas players receive roughly an 18-20 per cent share in FA’s national team revenues, which include gate takings, broadcast deals and sponsorhip fees.
However, the PFA have launched the legal action on the players’ behalf, and are arguing they deserve a greater cut.
Former great Lisa De Vanna, who earned 150 caps for the Matildas between 2004 and 2019, has hit out at the lawsuit, claiming players are looked after well enough already and that Australian football cannot afford a civil war.
“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she wrote on X.
“4 a nation that isn’t even in the top 10.
“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”
De Vanna has previously made allegations claiming a “toxic culture” was rife during her playing days, telling the Daily Telegraph in 2021 she faced “harassment, bullying and intimidation” throughout her career.
An FA statement in response to the lawsuit claims the action is related to “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.
“The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,” an FA spokesperson said.
“As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further.”
The current CBA will expire in September 2027.
The legal action continues a series of ugly disputes between players and Australian football governing bodies, with the PFA also clashing with the Australian Professional Leagues over a proposed pay deal amid growing financial uncertainty over the A-Leagues’ future.
“The players are not satisfied with the trajectory of the A-Leagues,” PFA CEO Beau Busch said in July.
“The previous five-year CBA has not protected the game from damaging decisions, declining crowds, and an accelerating talent drain.
“The PFA engaged constructively and bargained in good faith throughout this process and we neared agreement in some areas, but the players’ belief that the deal would achieve broader reform was always an important intangible factor and the APL’s positions and approach eroded this belief.”
The legal action will not stop the Socceroos from heading to the Middle East during the November international window, where they will face Qatar and Jordan.
The Matildas, meanwhile, will play Colombia in home friendlies in Canberra and Geelong in a few weeks’ time.
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