Brisbane Roar have apologised to Corey Brown and welcomed him back to the club after summarily terminating his employment last August.
On August 18 and 19 2022, Brisbane announced publicly that they had terminated Brown’s contract due to “serious misconduct” but never stated the exact reasons behind his sacking.
Roar’s initial statement was criticised by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), and was labelled as “bizarre and misleading” – in announcing its decision to jettison a figure who had made close to 150 appearances for the club.
Brown applied to have his case heard by Football Australia’s National Dispute Resolution Chamber and it was soon determined that the Roar’s purported termination of his contract was invalid.
With the club entering new management under former A-Leagues players Kaz Patafta and Zac Anderson, Brisbane wished to “correct the public record” and stated that Brown is a “valued member” of the club going forward.
“Brisbane Roar Football Club withdraws its statements of 18th and 19th August 2022 and apologises to Corey Brown for any harm caused through the making of its earlier public statements,” a statement released on Friday night said.
Brown has since rejoined the playing squad under new coach Ross Aloisi, ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
“We respect the importance and integrity of Football Australia’s dispute resolution processes,” said Roar CEO Patafta.
“What is of equal importance is our commitment to player and employee welfare and ensuring that we uphold the highest standards moving forward into the future as a club.”
“Corey is an important member of our organisation, and we look forward to the significant contribution he will bring in the coming seasons.”
Brisbane will play their first game of the new campaign against Newcastle Jets in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup on August 14.
