Don't think John Howard will be happy!

Socceroos are a Union

With the use of the word Union in Aussie politics today at an all time high as we approach the election, I was interested that players earning up to $400,000 a week (150,000 pounds) are active union members "collectively bargaining" for a new wage deal.

It should be noted that many players, including Sydney's Mark Milligan and David Carney probably earn around $100000 a YEAR.

This agreement has been announced today

As an avid follower of Aussie politics I was amused to see the words Collective and Bargaining next to a modern day industrial agreement.

Not sure Australia's Prime Minister would feel the same way.

Announcement from Football Federation Australia reads:

A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that covers the Qantas Socceroos for the vital 2007 AFC Asian Cup and up to the completion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This new CBA details payments to players for matches and tournaments, commercial and licensing agreements between the FFA and players, community and game development initiatives and provides players with a world class high performance environment when representing their country.

John Howard - Have you got Fox Sports?

Aussie Prime Minister will be able to watch the Socceroos on Fox at the Asia Cup


If the Aussies get to the last four of the Asia Cup, and they probably will, do you want to see pictures of John Howard in his new Socceroo tracksuit jumping up and down in front of his FoxSports channel.

All the kids and parents who would be watching in PRIMETIME if the game was on Free-to-air will not want to see it either. This is wrong and the FFA need to get Fox to the table and renegotiate a one-off deal.

How does it help Fox if 70% of Aussies can't watch what would be the biggest sporting viewer figures of the year.

Australia v Japan Final of the Asia Cup at 7.30pm.

Which Aussie wouldn't tune in if this happened?