Jamie O'Hara blasts National League contract changes as a 'disgrace'

The PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] sent an update to their members outlining changes the FA [Football Association] have made in the standard non-league contract.

Advertisement

These include modifications to sick pay and contract termination, which the PFA say represent a 'significant reduction to players' rights.

Sick pay refers to injuries picked up while playing, which previously covered players wages for the full duration of their contract.

The new contract proposes that players will only be given 12 weeks of pay in the National League, or six weeks for the divisions below.

Advertisement

Clubs will also now have the right to terminate contracts for a 'long-term' injury, when it was only previously if an individual was 'permanently incapacitated'.

Responding to the news, Boreham Wood striker Tyrone Marsh wrote: "This is an absolute shambles @TheVanaramaNL you need to look yourself in the mirror.

"We are humans, who have families to look after not a puppet to entertain, what are you possibly thinking?

Advertisement

Advertisement

"This isn't ok and will never be ok. Something needs to be done asap…! @PFA"

Responding to that tweet, talkSPORT host O'Hara wrote: "Just read this and it's a disgrace.

"@PFA need to take action and protect players in the lower leagues, seen too many players get treated like dog sh** at that level.

Advertisement

"You sign a contract you should honour it regardless of injury, it's professional league full time @TheVanaramaNL."

A statement from the PFA read: "Earlier this week the PFA contacted non-league players to inform them of upcoming changes being introduced by the FA to the standard non-league contract.

"We were asked by the FA for feedback on the new contract. We made clear that the PFA do not support or endorse it.

Advertisement

"The new contract contains important changes which will affect players who suffer injuries, we believe these changes represent a significant reduction in their rights.

"The PFA does not have an agreement with the National League or the FA to formally represent players at non-league clubs. Therefore we are unable to 'enforce' our opposition and the decision has been made by the FA to proceed with these changes.

"We are currently in conversation with non-league players and club captains who, we believe, are right to be extremely concerned about this."