Sacking of Jason Culina finally settled, with former Socceroo now concentrating on a return to the pitch

07/06/2012 5:35:00 AM

The dispute over the dismissal of the former Socceroos midfielder had rumbled on between player, club and governing body, but has now been resolved

Football Federation Australia, Newcastle Jets and Jason Culina have settled the dispute over the sacking of the former Socceroo.

The sensational dismissal of father Branko Culina and son Jason occurred on the eve of the 2011-12 A-League season. Newcastle sacked their marquee player on medical grounds concerning his surgically repaired right knee.

Events turned ugly when the Jets lodged a complaint under the FFA’s grievance regulations which claimed the governing body had allowed Culina to play without appropriate insurance at former club Gold Coast United.

But a resolution to the issue has now been met, according to Professional Footballers Australia [PFA] chief executive Brendan Schwab.

"The PFA is pleased that FFA, Newcastle Jets and Jason have reached a settlement by mutual agreement, the commercial terms of which are confidential," Schwab said in a statement.

"As a result, Jason's employment agreement with the Jets has also been terminated and he is free to continue his playing career elsewhere in the A-League."

Culina is keen to move on and concentrate on a return to football.

"I look forward to resuming my playing career as soon as I have completed my rehabilitation, which is proceeding very well,” he said.

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