Brendan Schwab has resigned as chairman of the Australian Players Union, a professional footballer, and former footballer Orfransis Awaritev has replaced him.
Schwab, who co-founded the Players Union in 1993, resigned due to a request for a new position as Executive Director of the World Championships Association, a Swiss-based global Players Union.
He has been involved in PFA for the past 25 years, including two stints as Chief Executive Officer and as a trade union special adviser.
The nomination of Awaritefe is made when the PFA negotiates a collective bargaining agreement between the A-League and the W-League against the backdrop of a change in leadership.
Former CEO John Didurika resigned when Bobush and Kate Gil were appointed co-Chief executives and the contract ended on July 1.
“Given my commitment to Australian football, I’m disappointed to resign when the game faces so many serious challenges and professional league players are without CBA protection.” Schwab said.
“Under the leadership of Alex (PFA Chairman Alex Wilkinson), Francis, Kate and Bo, we are confident that players will be able to negotiate with the new CBA on a win-win basis to advance the game.”
Awaritefe is a PFA executive and chair of the union’s steering committee, negotiating a new CBA.
He was previously a delegate and executive member of his long career at NSL.
“Despite the recognition of COVID-19 in the new CBA, the incredible sacrifice, dedication and quality football shown by players at the completion of the 2019/20 A-League season is essential,” Awaritefe said. Said.
“In Australia, it’s time to rebuild and restart professional games that require vision, trust, knowledge and courage.”
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