Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop has issued a warning to the players union to "get their heads around the fact" the game "cannot afford their financial demands as the acrimonious dispute over a new collective bargain agreement continues to set the sport back," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. Gallop also warned the dispute, which also involves the Socceroos and A-League players, will continue to be "a tough battle." His comments came "soon after" he confirmed that the Matildas' two-match tour of the U.S. scheduled for later this month had been called off "despite last-minute talks." A "clearly angry Gallop did not mince his words" in relation to Professional Footballers Australia, accusing the body of "taking the interests of the Matildas hostage." The inference was that the PFA is using the women's national team "as pawns to broker a deal for the Socceroos and A-League players." Gallop: "I met today with (PFA CEO) Adam Vivian and tabled a fresh offer in relation to the Matildas. This would have seen them get paid for a two-month period and also receive their World Cup prize money. They will still receive their prize money, but what happened today was quite extraordinary. In effect, we have been told that unless we meet a wage claim for some A$120 million ($84.8M), the bulk of which will go to male professional players in the next four-year period, then the Matildas would not participate against the U.S." (THE AUSTRALIAN, 9/11). In Sydney, Tom Smithies reported the Matildas are "insisting on a wider deal including both a pay rise and a commitment to upgraded travel, accommodation and playing conditions." That has also been tied to salary cap and Socceroos pay increases as the union seeks a "whole of game" agreement. Vivian "laid the blame squarely at FFA's door, insisting the governing body had no intention of negotiating." Vivian said, "I flew to Sydney at David's request expecting to negotiate, but was presented with a short-term offer already rejected, plus the offer of paying prize money slightly earlier" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 9/10).
