Negotiations between the FFA and Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) have reached a stalemate with the PFA, on behalf of the players, rejecting the latest proposal after a players' meeting last Sunday in Melbourne.

Along with the Matildas, the PFA are also currently negotiating on behalf of the A-League players and Socceroos, with all three Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) having expired in the last couple of months.

The Matildas latest CBA expired in July following the conclusion of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Following the Matildas history making Women's World Cup run, The Women's Game understands that the proposed CBA had a modest increase in player payments but not enough for the Matildas Committee - which includes Kate Gill, Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond, Lydia Williams and Kim Carroll - and the players to accept.

The PFA stated that the "FFA’s written proposals failing to reasonably reward Matildas players who continue to receive part-time benefits despite the full-time nature of their commitments."

It is believed that the players were seeking better remuneration after a six month World Cup preparation and campaign produced financial strain on many.

While Australia had its most extensive World Cup preparation - with reports that the FFA spent approx. $1.5 million – and posted its best World Cup result, some of the players reportedly earned as little as $10,000 in the six month period.

Following the rejection of the proposed CBAs, the situation was escalated further with the PFA announcing the FFA's withdrawal of its recognition of the player representative body.

“The PFA has a long track record of supporting and building the game. It is clear that FFA’s CBA proposals and its decision to withdraw recognition of the PFA are very damaging to both," said PFA Chief Executive Adam Vivian.

“FFA has left the PFA and the players with no option but to take the necessary steps to secure the rights and wellbeing of Socceroos, Matildas and A-League players under Australian industrial law.”

The statement from the PFA raises the possibility of a player strike. With the Matildas next internationals a pair of high profile friendlies with recent World Champions the United States, it would be a big statement to make – if it reaches that stage.

See full PFA Statement

**** UPDATE ****

The FFA responded to the PFA's statement denying that it had revoked its acceptance of the PFA with CEO David Gallop stating they were "shocked by the inaccuracies in the PFA’s media comments."

Gallop also re-iterated that the FFA "will continue to recognise the PFA and the role it plays and was preparing for an agreed face-to-face meeting with the PFA regarding the CBA".

There were no further updates in relation to the CBAs, including that of the Matildas, but the statement did express that the CBAs tabled would " deliver the best ever deal for Australian professional footballers across the A-League, Socceroos and Matildas."

See full FFA Statement