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.