A DISPUTE is brewing between Sydney FC and former player David Zdrilic, who is fighting for injury compensation through the players' union even though he has been released from his contract and hasn't played for the club since just before last Christmas.
Zdrilic, 34, made the last of his 50 A-League appearances as a substitute against Perth Glory on December 15, and was not offered a new deal at the end of last season. The former Socceroos striker was included as a substitute for the post-season Pan Pacific Championship match against Los Angeles Galaxy in Honolulu in late February, but didn't get on the field.
As part of the first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) finalised three months ago between the players' union, the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Federation Australia, A-League players can claim up to two years' wages in the case of a career-ending injury.
Zdrilic is believed to be making a claim on the basis of a knee injury, although Sydney FC chief executive Stefan Kamasz said the situation was "confusing".
"David hasn't contacted the club directly, but we have had an approach from the PFA asking why we haven't been paying insurance payments to him," Kamasz said. "We're a bit confused by it all."
PFA boss Brendan Schwab declined to confirm Zdrilic's involvement, saying "we don't talk about individual cases", but added: "Under the new CBA, the FFA maintains insurance cover for injured players, and there is income protection of up to 104 weeks, even if a contract expires in the meantime. The cover has been agreed to, is designed to protect the players, and a number of players are exploring the option."
Meanwhile, Sydney FC's new centre forward, marquee star John Aloisi, won't be making his eagerly anticipated debut against former club Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday.
Although Aloisi has steadily increased his workload after aggravating a foot injury, coach John Kosmina said: "He's no chance against the Mariners. He needs at least two full weeks of training before he can be considered, and even then we'll probably nurse him back through the bench."
After grinding out a scoreless draw last Saturday night in the season-opener against Melbourne Victory with an under-manned squad, Sydney will welcome back three players - Stuart Musialik (rested), Dez Giraldi and Alex Brosque (both suspended) - for the trip to Gosford.
Skipper Tony Popovic is also working hard to make a comeback from injury.
The Mariners, who drew their season-opener against Newcastle Jets, could also be strengthened, with striker Dylan MacAllister and defender Nigel Boogaard set to return from injury.
The drawn-out saga of Mark Bosnich's future at the club will be decided today with the goalkeeper set to sign a seven-week contract, enabling the former Socceroos star to sit on the bench against Sydney.
In other news, Manly United coach Phil Moss said while it gave him "great satisfaction" to see schoolboy star Chris Payne make his A-League debut for Sydney FC at the weekend, the NSW Premier League - and other state leagues around the country - would not be able to keep producing players unless they were properly compensated for developing talent.
Payne was one of 11 former state league players to make their debut in the opening round of the A-League season, but Manly United will receive just $3000 from Sydney FC for his transfer.
"Look at the sums, we spend $700,000 a year to have a team in the NSWPL, but even if we win all four competitions we still only get $70,000 [prizemoney] back," Moss said.
"Obviously the numbers don't stack up, and clubs are bleeding badly. Getting rewarded for producing players is one way to help, but when the best you can get from an A-League club is $3000, it's not right. As a comparison, we've just sold a 16-year-old [Matt Fletcher] to England [Sunderland] and we stand to get up to $80,000 for him. It's a big difference.
"We want our players to progress, but if we don't get properly compensated, how are we supposed to survive?"
And in overseas news, Italian-based Socceroos teammates Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano could both be changing clubs in the next 24 hours. Grella (Torino) is set to move to English premiership side Fulham, while Bresciano (Palermo) is tipped to join Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.
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