Country footy shake-up

The WA Country Football League today has informed clubs around the State that an unprecedented new salary cap will be introduced to start the new season next year.

In a major shake-up the WACFL will restrict and monitor all player payments in leagues across WA, which includes clubs falling under a $3000 team salary cap in any one match while no player can receive more than $500 per match.

The Great Southern Football League and its six clubs will be one of a host of leagues and associations impacted, with the changes set to divide all country participants.

This move comes after several years of increasing player payments in country football around WA.

Included in a list of 16 new by-laws the major changes include:

A player who travels more than 500km round trip can qualify for a maximum of $150 travel fee and no player can receive more than $100 per match in prizemoney while one league player can coach a lower grade for a maximum of $100 per match subject to approval.

The WACFL has also warned of harsh penalties for non compliance which include potential loss of match points and fines up to $5000.

A WACFL investigator has the right to request club financials and an up to date paid player database.

Club audits will be random or targeted.

WACFL general manager Joe Georgiades said today the changes were made in the best interest of country football

“This is a significant step towards relieving financial pressure on country football clubs and equalising competitions. It will strengthen country clubs by cutting player costs and placing an increased focus on local development,” he said.

“The WACFL will monitor the introduction of the by-laws and work closely with Leagues and Clubs to ensure they have a complete understanding of the laws and associated penalties including loss of match points and fines.

“The WACFL thanks everyone involved in developing these by-laws in the best overall interests of country football and looks forward to working with its leagues and clubs to ensure the new by-laws are successfully implemented.”