Brisbane Roar have come under fire for a "misleading and bizarre" statement issued on Thursday night.
The club released a two-sentence press release confirming the termination of defender Corey Brown's contract.
"Brisbane Roar FC wishes to advise of the termination of the contract of defender Corey Brown," the statement read.
"The club wishes him well for his future endeavours."
The short and sharp release suggested his exit wasn't a straight-forward one and sparked speculation on social media about what really happened between club and player.
Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) subsequently looked to clarify the matter with a statement of their own that claims Brown is still technically contracted to the Roar and that the club are continuing to act below "expected standards".
“As the club is aware, Corey has initiated judicial proceedings to dispute Brisbane Roar’s termination of his contract,” PFA Co-Chief Executive Beau Busch said in the statement.
“As a consequence of this legal action, Corey’s contract remains on foot until a final determination is made. This is something the club, deliberately or otherwise, is failing to understand.
“As the club continues to operate well below the expected standards of a professional football club, the PFA’s primary focus remains on protecting Corey’s wellbeing – something the club seems to have little regard for.”
The PFA statement opened by describing Brisbane's press release on Brown as "bizarre and misleading".
Brown, 28, made his A-League debut for the Roar in 2011 and remained with the club until 2018 when he moved to Melbourne Victory.
Two years later, the left-back rejoined Brisbane but struggled to play regularly last season as he missed the club's final 13 games.
Warren Moon's side progressed to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup this week after edging out Avondale FC on penalties.
Roar have signed three players over the off-season with former Premier League player Charlie Austin the most high-profile arrival, while Brown looms as the club's fifth departure.
