Newcastle Jets officials will meet with Football Federation Australia today in the hope of securing a financial rescue package from the A-League’s governing body in order for the club to avoid folding. The severity of the Jets’ money problems were revealed last week after millionaire owner Con Constantine appealed to FFA for help, saying the club could not afford the $60,000 required to host yesterday’s match against Brisbane Roar.
Although FFA stepped in at short notice to assure the game took place, it remains unclear as to whether they are willing to guarantee Newcastle’s short-term survival. However, the prospect of a club folding mid-season would be viewed as an absolute last resort, given the ramifications that decision would have on the remainder of the season.
Jets Chief Executive John Tsatsimas has admitted the club’s financial crisis is reaching breaking point, with staff and players having gone unpaid for the past two weeks.
“It’s a big concern and we’re having more discussions with the FFA but it can’t go on,” Tsatsimas said.
“It has to have some sort of end to it and now, because it will play on players’ minds.
“It’s a major concern from where I sit because we have people who have been united for two weeks now, but there comes a point where that will end,” he said.
Should the FFA not come to Newcastle’s aid then Constantine’s last resort will be an appeal to the NSW government, primarily on the grounds that it is unfair his club is currently being forced to effectively sublet EnergyAustralia Stadium from NRL side Newcastle Knights – the venue’s major tenants – and as such have no control over match day income. But any such appeal is unlikely to bring about a swift resolution, which is precisely what the Jets need.
Newcastle coach Branko Culina says his players have remained united in the midst of the club’s financial adversity, but – speaking after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Brisbane – admitted they are feeling the pinch.
“We had a chat to the club on Tuesday and we agreed that we would play the game and not look for any excuses that would put the game into jeopardy and from there on we were focused,” he said.
“You try and not let it bother you but you can’t help it – you get up in the morning and you read the papers, you are driving in your car and you hear the radio or see the TV and it is about no longer having Newcastle around, so it does play up on people’s minds.
“There is no doubt some might have been affected but it in the end we just wanted to go out there and play the game,” Culina said.