"The AFAA wishes to condemn the negative and uninformed reference to agents in Clive Palmer's attack on FFA, and his comments on football in general," the group said a statement today.

"The AFAA draws a very clear distinction between the activities conducted by agents licensed by the FFA and unlicensed agents.

"Player’s agents licensed by the FFA have passed very stringent examinations and hold comprehensive professional indemnity insurance to underpin their businesses.

"They carry out their business under carefully governed FIFA statutes and comply with all the related regulation of their business transactions.

"Licensed agents are a necessary and welcome part of the industry who play an important role in assisting clubs maximise the talent on their rosters, and further the careers of their clients.

"The AFAA is supportive of the efforts of the FFA and PFA to safeguard the integrity of the A-League competition and the contractual obligations due to the players of Gold Coast United."