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Sydney FC agree on pay deal with players as A-League closes in on CBA

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As the A-League clubs and Professional Footballers Australia close in on a new collective bargaining agreement, reigning champions Sydney FC have reached a pay deal with their players.

Negotiations have continued since the players’ union members rejected a proposal by clubs in September but they are expected to sign off next season’s CBA in the coming days. The clubs have instead been negotiating pay deals directly, and on Tuesday Sydney confirmed they had reached an agreement with their playing group.

Sky Blues captain Alex Wilkinson, who is also the PFA president, lauded the “amicable” discussions between Sydney FC and their players. “It has been a very difficult process but we have come to an agreement and now we can concentrate on playing football,” Wilkinson said in a statement.

“It has been a challenging time but the negotiations have been amicable and in good faith, and the club have handled the situation with great care and respect.

“Our players, and every player across the league, takes the future of football in Australia and our members’ interests very seriously, and they have put that before any personal benefit. Now we move on and look forward to getting ready for the new season.”

Sydney chief executive Danny Townsend also praised the “open” discussions the A-League champions had with their playing staff.

“Our players have been magnificent throughout these negotiations and they should be given huge credit for the sacrifice they’ve made for the good of the A-League and game in this country,” he said. “We’ve had a very honest and open dialogue and the club is hugely appreciative for the respect they have given the process.”

Sydney FC returned to training on Tuesday ahead of their bid for a third consecutive championship, while they are also preparing to kick off their Asian Champions League campaign in November.

They will, however, be without Adam le Fondre after the Sky Blues accepted a lucrative loan offer for the star striker. Le Fondre will play for cashed-up Indian Super League club Mumbai City FC, departing Australia after winning two A-League championships in two seasons.

“Adam has had an unbelievable couple of years with the club and has had a huge influence on our squad,” Sydney coach Steve Corica said in a statement on Wednesday. “To stand in his way would not be just reward for the service he has given us.”

The 33-year-old Englishman claimed Sydney’s golden boot award in his two seasons, scoring 45 goals in 68 games in the A-League and FFA Cup.

“I’ve had two fantastic years here at Sydney FC and have cherished every moment of my life in Australia,” Le Fondre said in a statement. “I’d also like to say a massive thanks to the club for considering mine and my family’s future and allowing me to make this move.”

Le Fondre is the latest A-League player to move to India, following Wellington Phoenix striker Gary Hooper, Brisbane Roar attacking midfielder Brad Inman and Perth Glory defender Jacob Tratt.

Melbourne Victory’s James Donachie will also play in India – he signed with A-League outfit Newcastle Jets before being loaned to FC Goa.

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