Australia’s soccer player’s union will have consistent leadership through negotiations for the Socceroos, Matildas and A-Leagues’ next pay deals with chief executive Beau Busch appointed until 2029.
Former A-League Men player Busch served as co-CEO of Professional Footballers Australia with former Matildas captain Kate Gill from 2020, and sole chief executive since Gill stepped down last November.
The next four years are a critical point in Australian football.
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the cash-strapped Australian Professional Leagues, covering A-League Men and A-League Women players, expires next year.
The Matildas’ and Socceroos’ joint deal will expire in 2027, after that year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“The professional game has reached an important juncture, with critical industrial and commercial negotiations set to occur,” PFA chair Francis Awaritefe said.
“We have no doubt that Beau’s appointment will ensure the players can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities over the coming years.
“Beau has built incredible trust with the PFA membership and this will be invaluable as the players seek to shape the future of the game.”
Busch has been involved with the PFA since 2013, working through multiple CBAs, and was appointed FIFPRO Asia/Oceania president in 2024.
“It is an honour to represent our members and to work alongside an outstanding executive, delegates and staff team,” he said.
“This generation of players have an opportunity to drive the success of the professional game and to leave a lasting legacy for the players that follow them.”
PFA co-president and Matildas and Brisbane Roar stalwart Tameka Yallop welcomed Busch’s appointment.
“Beau’s passion for the game, integrity, and proven leadership make him the ideal leader to guide the PFA into its next chapter,” Yallop said.
“The players are committed to ensuring we build an industry that we can all be incredibly proud of and we know that under Beau’s leadership the PFA will continue to a be a values-led organisation.”
