'If the matter escalates we will consider intervening' - FFA respond to PFA criticism

Football Federation Australia CEO James Johnson says the governing body will continue to monitor the situation regarding the Perth Glory and its players.

FFA CEO James Johnson Source: Getty Images

On Friday, Glory owner Tony Sage stood down the club's entire playing squad without pay.

It comes after the A-League season was suspended until April 22 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an interview with The World Game yesterday, PFA CEO John Didulica said that he was bemused as to the overall lack of leadership across club owners and the FFA in not getting ahead of this issue.

In response, Johnson provided the following statement to The World Game.

"The timing of the case between Perth Glory and its players is unfortunate as the case is divisive and comes at a time when the game needs unity due to the widespread effects of COVID-19," Johnson said.

"Perth Glory FC and the player’s union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), have competing interests – Perth to keep their club afloat financially, while the PFA are rightly working to protect and advance the interests of its members."

"FFA’s role is to represent ‘whole of game’ interests, and at this stage what is being discussed between Perth and PFA is an employment related dispute."

"FFA expects that all clubs as well as the players and/or their union will work in a collaborative and respectful manner regarding employment contracts at this difficult time."

"FFA will continue to monitor the developments related to Perth Glory and if the matter escalates, then we will consider intervening.

"In such a case, FFA will listen to sectional interests of each group and then take a rational, considered decision centred around the broad interests of the game in Australia."

The PFA has threatened legal action against Sage if the players aren't reinstated.