A-League clubs told to settle debts with players by January or lose points

A-League clubs are on notice to settle all debts to current and former players by the end of the year or face a possible points deduction.

As part of the competition’s new collective bargaining agreement, which was signed off last week, tough new rules around contract security have been introduced to give players greater protection than ever before.

Clubs have been given until January 1 to meet all outstanding financial obligations - including unpaid salaries, superannuation, match fees and other bonuses – to players, or new sporting sanctions can be imposed. After January 1 an A-League player will be able to provide his club with written notice alleging non-payment, giving them two days to rectify the situation.

If the player still hasn’t been paid, they can take the issue to an independent arbitrator and if the arbitrator rules in the player’s favour, a transfer embargo will be enforced, prohibiting the club from signing new players. If, seven days later, the player remains unpaid, a suspended points deduction of four points will be triggered, with the points to be taken off clubs after 14 days.

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