Socceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over revenue share dispute

Socceroos and Matildas players are suing Football Australia through their union over a revenue-sharing dispute, claiming they're not receiving their fair cut of commercial deals.

The Professional Footballers Australia union has launched legal action in the NSW Supreme Court on behalf of Socceroos and Matildas players against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar revenue dispute.

Under the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2023, national team players receive an 18 to 20% cut of FA's commercial revenues from ticketing, broadcast rights and sponsorship deals. National teams contribute up to half of FA's total revenues. The players argue they are not receiving their fair share under the existing agreement, with the central issue believed to centre on how FA's commercial deals are being handled.

The dispute comes ahead of the current CBA's expiry in September 2025, with no talks yet commenced on new terms. The legal action follows other recent high-profile disputes involving FA, including settlements with Macarthur FC and former chief football officer Ernie Merrick.