Former Matildas captain Kate Gill has stepped down as co-chief executive of soccer's players union.
Professional Footballers Association (the PFA) announced on Thursday Gill would be departing after close to 10 years.
Gill, who has played a key role in advancing the Matildas' pay and conditions, has been co-CEO with Beau Busch since 2020, when the pair took over from John Didulica and had to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the A-League Men and Women during COVID-19.
The PFA executive is still working through how the board will be restructured but Busch is expected to become sole CEO, ahead of negotiations for the next A-Leagues CBA in 2026.
"Stepping down from my role as co-chief executive has not been an easy decision, as my time with the PFA has been profoundly rewarding, both personally and professionally," Gill said.
“Over the past decade, the PFA has led transformative changes in Australian football, with players at the forefront of this progress.
“The members are the heartbeat of the PFA and it has been an absolute privilege to work for such incredible people, whose belief, trust, and unwavering commitment to improving the working conditions for all players has been nothing short of remarkable.
“I leave knowing that the members are in the capable hands of Beau Busch, a selfless and progressive leader, who alongside the extraordinary PFA staff, work tirelessly to ensure that every player has the opportunity for the best career possible.”
Gill was set to go on maternity leave and ultimately decided to step away from the role permanently.
It brings to a close her lengthy and influential role within the union.
As a player, Gill was the first female member of the PFA executive committee, before joining its management when her professional playing days ended in 2015 - though she never officially retired.
Gill played a key role in securing the first A-League Women CBA, which secured significantly improved conditions for the players.
She was also pivotal to the Matildas and Socceroos' joint CBA of 2019 which delivered gender equality, while serving as Asia and Oceania’s representative on the FIFPRO global board for four years
“Kate has been an incredible advocate for the players and the game," PFA president and Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine said.
“The work she’s done behind the scenes in supporting the players to achieve vital progress, such as the first-ever CBAs for female footballers, equal pay for the Socceroos and Matildas, and securing professional standards in the A-Leagues, are among the ground-breaking wins she can be hugely proud of.”
