A-League Men: Perth Glory and former captain Mustafa Amini reach settlement following contract termination

Perth Glory’s legal fight with ex-captain Mustafa Amini over their decision to terminate his contract early has come to an end after almost six months, with the two parties reaching a settlement. Glory announced they had terminated the former Socceroo and Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s contract mid-season, parting ways with Amini in late December. Amini, who made 36 A-League appearances after joining the club in 2022 on a three-year deal, promptly initiated legal proceedings against the club. The dispute has played out in Football Australia’s National Dispute Resolution Chamber and Glory issued a statement on Monday they had come to a settlement with the 32 year-old. “Perth Glory Football Club and Mustafa Amini have agreed a settlement resolving the player’s claims against the club. Perth Glory wishes Mustafa the best for his future,” the statement read. Amini did not play for the Glory in the final year of his contract, and has spent the past few months undergoing rehabilitation following knee surgery. The central midfielder had started pre-season carrying an injury which carried into the season and while the club were initially happy to support Amini, the relationship between the two parties soured. After Perth terminated his deal ahead of its expiry, Amini argued his termination was unlawful and with the players’ union Professional Footballers Australia backing him, he legally challenged their decision. Amini’s contract remained on foot with Perth until the outcome of a tribunal, but in late January, Amini ramped up legal action against Glory amid claims of unpaid wages. He alleged he was not been paid during the month of January, nor allowed access to medical information and treatment by the A-League club. At the time, Perth failed to remedy the situation within the prescribed two days time limit, and were threatened with sanctions, including the loss of A-League Men’s points and potential prevention from registering any new players they signed.