Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has given its full support to Newcastle Jets players Adrian Madaschi, Joel Griffiths, Kew Jaliens, David Carney and Billy Celeski following the club’s attempt to terminate their contracts and will now take the necessary steps to ensure the players’ rights are upheld in accordance with the A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement 2008/09-2014/15 (CBA).

PFA Chief Executive Adam Vivian said the actions of the club had failed to respect the rights of the players.

“We have a CBA in place and it must be complied with,” said Vivian.

“The actions of the club in attempting to terminate the contracts of the players, without satisfactory justification, are not in accordance with the CBA.

“Accordingly it is the position of the PFA that all five players remain contracted members of the squad and are protected by the CBA.

“If the situation is not remedied immediately we will take the necessary legal steps.

“The actions of the club undermines the A-League, which is a competition that is based on respect for contracts and committed to player wellbeing.

For media enquiries contact PFA Media and Communications Manager Beau Busch on +61 (0) 432763485 or via beau@pfa.net.au.