A-League News: Perth Glory Face Points Deduction Over Salary Cap Violations

A-League side Perth Glory are being investigated for possible violations of the salary cap, which could lead to point deductions if they are found guilty. The club, as reported by ABC, reportedly exceeded the salary cap of $2.5 million by up to $400,000, which was paid to players through third parties and sponsorship deals. Overall, payments made by the football club to five players are under investigation.

Third party sponsorship deals are allowed by Football Federation Australia, or FFA, but were not declared by the club. Other allegations include covering of accommodation charges of the players without declaring it, and even paying salary a month before the signing of the contract.

A-League head Damien de Bohun has confirmed that they will wait for Perth to submit their reply to the allegations before deciding on the further course of action. He claimed, while talking to Fairfax Media, that the FFA had, on behalf of all the fans, the other teams, broadcasters and sponsors, a responsibility to ensure fair play.

Possible sanctions for the club include heavy fines and the club being banned from the finals, and point deductions. But it could get worse, as de Bohun indicated even players or agents involved could face punishment if found to have been involved in trying to cheat deliberately.

"Sanctions are available both at a club level and at an individual level. Once we receive the full responses to the show-cause notice, we'll be in a position to make that judgment. But both individuals and the club can face sanctions depending on where we land," de Bohun said.

Jason Brewer, the A-League club’s chief executive, refused to answer questions from the press, claiming it would be inappropriate to comment on the payments, and would instead answer the FFA directly. The club has until April 8 to respond to the allegations made by the FFA.

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