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Jets game to go ahead

02 Sep, 2010 05:00 AM
FOOTBALL Federation Australia has given a guarantee that the A-League clash between the embattled Newcastle Jets and the Brisbane Roar will proceed at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Sunday.

The game had been in doubt after match-day contractors including security, catering, cleaners and ground officials had threatened to withhold their services unless paid in advance.

Jets owner Con Constantine was unable to pay wages to players and staff last week and does not have the funds to cover the $60,000 cost of hosting the match without assistance from FFA.

"I can say with 100 per cent certainty that the game will be going ahead," A-League boss Lyall Gorman said yesterday.

At this stage it is unclear whether the Jets will host the game or if it will be run under the banner of FFA.

"It's too early to make any comment on that, but the game will definitely be going ahead," Gorman said.

Jets chief executive John Tsatsimas was still awaiting confirmation from the FFA last night but was treating the game as though it would go ahead.

"We are highly optimistic and look forward to the game on the weekend and the boys getting three points," he said.

A Brisbane spokesman said last night that they were preparing for the game as normal and had not been given any indication it was in doubt.

FFA would have been in a difficult position if forced to cancel or postpone the round-four fixture. It has contractual obligations with host broadcaster, Fox Sports, and could have been in danger of a breach.

Similarly, Brisbane had also booked flights and accommodation in advance.

It is good news on the game, but the Jets' future beyond Sunday is far from assured.

It is understood the club owes as much as $100,000.

Another $50,000 in wages are due tomorrow but are unlikely to be paid without a rescue package from the governing body.

"We're engaged in conversations with the Jets on an ongoing basis and we're committed to working with them to understand what their issues are and solving them," Gorman said.

Constantine, who says he has lost $15 million since forming the Jets, has asked FFA for a short-term loan or advance on the $325,000 quarterly grant to get through "short-term obstacles". Tsatsimas said talks were ongoing with FFA and he hoped to have a resolution soon.

"Our immediate focus is the match on the weekend and the ability to get staff and players paid on time," he said.

The players have confirmed their commitment to the club until at least Monday.

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comments


Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Let's get behind the team on Sunday. If we can't get a crowd of at least 10,000 then it shows Newcastle don't really want a football team
Posted by Captain, 2/09/2010 10:48:27 AM, on The Herald
So $60,000 divided by $10 a ticket means Con needs 6,000 people to turn up to cover the cost of hiring the ground. 6,000 people at $20 a ticket is $120,000 which could cover the cost of hiring the ground and start paying players and start paying back his debt. I am available if you need help with this Con.
Posted by Jaybroni, 2/09/2010 2:06:12 PM, on The Herald
Jaybroni - let me do some sums for you - a season tickets costs $190 divided by 15 games works out to a cost of $12.50 per match. Looks like we have a $7.50 shortfall already!
Posted by Gary Van Junior Coach, 2/09/2010 5:42:55 PM, on The Herald
Forget Con, The Knights who is right or wrong. Show the rest of Australia what Novocastrians are made of and get behind our Team The Jets by going to the game on Sunday. I just love going to watch the Jets, I love the rush when they score and the frustration when they do not play well, I just Love the Jets. Come on Newcastle be there.
Posted by Extreme Jet, 2/09/2010 6:00:32 PM, on The Herald
An update for the Jets fans. The FFA will be funding the game on Sunday, however whilst Con remains the owner it is his responsibility to pay all wages, the FFA only start to cover wages if Con hands back his licence. The players have agreed to strike from Monday if 2 weeks wages aren't paid. The players will not train or travel to Adelaide for the next game and will continue this action until wages are paid, either by Con or by the FFA. Either way I would think the Jets are in a heap of trouble. At least if Con hands his licence back normal service can resume, even if it's only for the remainder of the season.
Posted by rafo2, 2/09/2010 6:16:42 PM, on The Herald
how many games have you been to jaybroni or wont the knights let you go
Posted by lobo one, 2/09/2010 9:11:02 PM, on The Herald
i see all the impotant people were first to walk, cleaners, dense security and and crappy catering. All frankly we could do without or easily replace.
Posted by rick, 2/09/2010 11:34:11 PM, on The Herald

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