PFA backing Perth players over 'devastating blow'

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) chief executive Adam Vivian has moved to assure "every possible support to ensure the wellbeing and rights of the Perth Glory players" in the wake of the club's exclusion from the A-League finals over salary cap breaches.

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Vivian met with the players in Perth after FFA handed down its momentous decision on Friday afternoon.

“During the meeting the players instructed the PFA to express on their behalf their enormous disappointment," said Vivian.

“They have worked extremely hard to get to a point where they were challenging for the Premiership and to have that taken away from them and their fans is a devastating blow.

“The players have fully cooperated with the investigation and at all times have conducted themselves in accordance with the highest possible standards of professionalism.

“The PFA has been in the constant contact with the players since the speculation surfaced at the end of last year and will continue to work with the players to ensure their rights are upheld and that every possible effort is made to safeguard their wellbeing during this difficult time.

“The players will now await to see whether the club exercises its right to appeal the decision.”