Women’s soccer tour of US officially off, says football CEO

Football Federation Australia confirmed on Thursday that a two-match tour of the United States by its women’s team has been called off, 24 hours after a union representing the players said stalled contract talks meant the team would not travel to the U.S.

FFA chief executive David Gallop told a media conference in Sydney on Thursday that the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia, made “extraordinary demands” which meant the tour could not take place.

The PFA, a union representing male and female players, on Wednesday said the tour had been canceled a day after players refused to show up for a practice session in Sydney.

Jadeveon Clowney Houston Texans 2014 NFL photo This is a 2014 photo of Jadeveon Clowney of the Houston Texans NFL football team.

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Matildas coach Alen Stajcic reportedly spent late Wednesday contacting players to see if they would still be willing to play despite the union ruling.

News Corp Australia reported earlier Thursday that six players, including captain Lisa De Vanna, had broken ranks with the union and still hoped to fly to the U.S.

PFA chief executive Adam Vivian informed FFA of the strike action after a meeting of the team Wednesday.

Matildas forward Ashleigh Sykes told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio that the contract dispute was forcing players to choose between continuing their international careers or getting another job.

The PFA is also negotiating for more pay for domestic A-League players, and an increase in each of the 10 team’s salary caps.