Australia National team players launch legal action against FFA

Just as they're readying to open their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, disgruntled Socceroos players have become locked in a pay dispute with Football Federation Australia.

The players' union, Professional Footballers Australia, has launched legal action against the FFA, alleging the country's peak football body has not handed over match payments and commercial bonuses owed to the national team.

A PFA spokesman confirmed it has filed a formal grievance claim with the federation's independent disputes arbitrator, but declined to specify exactly how much money it was over.

"The PFA can confirm that a grievance has been filed in accordance with the Socceroos Collective Bargaining Agreement 2011-2015 (CBA) against Football Federation Australia in relation to Socceroos agreed payments," he told AAP in a statement.

"This is a matter to be determined by an independent arbitrator."

Under the agreement, which is due to expire on June 30, "agreed payments" include match fees, prize money and bonuses.

The players have also exercised their right to have the Socceroos' commercial contracts independently audited, the spokesman said.

The dispute comes as the Socceroos are in camp in Dubai preparing for their June 16 opening World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.

The FFA has been contacted for comment.