The 27-year-old left Gold Coast at the end of the 2010-2011 A-League season when he failed to agree with the club's then 'one year contract' policy.

Perchtold took the matter to Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and arbitrator Shaun McCarthy found Gold Coast were at fault and duly awarded the German the compensation.

"The club plainly reneged on the agreement," McCarthy said. "In doing so the club breached the contract. The player was blameless. In my opinion the conduct of the club was highhanded to say the least.”

PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab welcomed the decision.

"This is an important win for players in Australia," Schwab said.

"It demonstrates that an employment contract in Australia must be honoured by the Club, and that the obligations which exist on a club, once the contract is freely entered into, must be complied with.

"We hope the decision will also bring about a change in the culture at Gold Coast United, which has dismissed three A-League players in recent times. The A-League features a salary cap and restricted rosters.

"The onus is on all A-League clubs to get their recruitment right and then invest in the development of their rostered players in order to be competitive.

"Extensive education and counselling programs are available through FFA and the PFA to ensure that every player upholds the highest standards of professionalism and conduct, on and off the field."

Gold Coast United have 21 days to comply with the decision.