Football Federation Australia has moved decisively to punish Perth Glory for breaching the A-League salary cap, excluding them from the A-League finals this season and handing down a record $269,000 fine.
At the conclusion of round 27, Perth’s position on the A-League ladder will be adjusted to seventh, sending a lifeline for defending champions Brisbane Roar, currently in seventh place and outside finals reckoning.
The decision also ends Perth’s hopes of qualifying for the Asian Champions League.
A statement released by the FFA said its investigations had found that Glory had “deliberately failed to disclose reportable benefits and payments to at least six players, and from the beginning of the 2014-15 season has been operating in excess of the allowable salary cap of $2.55m by in the order of $400,000”.
FFA chief David Gallop addressed media at a conference called Friday afternoon. “We cannot have a club that is deliberately, significantly and persistently breaching those obligations of playing for the championship” he said.
“Where you’ve got deliberate concealment, you need to impose strict penalties to send a deterrent.”
Fines totalling $269,000 were also handed down for breaches over the previous three seasons: $200,000 for the transgressions occurring this season, $43,000 for breaches during 2013-14, and $26,000 for breaches during 2012-13.
The governing body said Perth were guilty of three breaches, including payments outside a standard player contract; payments to a player’s family member; payments of travel costs; provision of motor vehicles; and accommodation benefits.
The club is yet to respond, but owner Tony Sage has previously stated that should the FFA find the club guilty it could spell the end for the chief executive, Jason Brewer.
The Glory have seven business days to lodge any appeal against the decision.
The decision came just hours before Perth faced Sydney FC in what would have been a top of the table clash.
The Glory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic said on Twitter the players would attempt to put the ruling behind them and treat the game like any other.
Cheers for the messages of support. Feel for our fans and members. Will be still giving it my all tonight and the remaining games.
— Danny Vukovic (@vuka20) April 10, 2015
Vukovic denied a suggestion from the SBS journalist David Basheer that not all Glory players wanted to play in the match.
“Not true mate,” Vukovic responded. “We all want to play.”
@Bash_TWG @PerthGloryFC not true mate. We all want to play
— Danny Vukovic (@vuka20) April 10, 2015
Current and former A-League figures expressed sympathy for the Glory players.
Feel sorry for all the players that have worked their socks of for @PerthGloryFC this season. A very sad outcome. The players deserve better
— Brandon O'Neill (@brannerz15) April 10, 2015
Would be absolutely gutted if I was a @PerthGloryFC player right now. All that hard work and then this kick in the balls. Spewing.
— Daniel McBreen (@djmcbreen) April 10, 2015
So sad to hear what has happened at Perth Glory. Feel for the coach, players & fans who have been excellent this season. @PerthGloryFC
— Mile Sterjovski (@MSterjovski) April 10, 2015
Can't help but feel for all the @PerthGloryFC players. All that work, sacrifice & commitment for nothing. A whole season of ur careers lost!
— Bruce Djite (@BDjite) April 10, 2015
