Football Federation Australia (FFA) has released a press announcement in response to the announcement made by Hunter Sports Group to hand back the licence to the Newcastle Jets. Full release below.
Football Federation Australia Limited (FFA) was today informed by the Hunter Sports Group that Newcastle Jets Football Operations Pty Ltd (Newcastle Jets) is seeking to relinquish its license to operate the Newcastle Jets football club in the Hyundai A-League.
FFA does not accept that the Newcastle Jets have the right to return their A-League licence.
FFA expects that the Jets will continue to honour the Club Participation Agreement with FFA, which is for a term expiring on 30 June 2020.
FFA also expects that the Jets will continue to honour the playing contracts in place with each of their players.
FFA CEO Ben Buckley today expressed his dismay at HSG’s announcement.
“HSG has made repeated undertakings to the people of the Hunter Valley about their commitment to building football and helping the community in Newcastle and the region,” said Mr Buckley.
“There are players, coaches, members and supporters who put their heart into making the club a vibrant part of the Hunter Valley.
“Today’s announcement makes no sense for all those people and for the other clubs in the Hyundai A-League. They can rightfully feel let down.”
Mr Buckley said that no grounds exist for the Newcastle Jets to unilaterally walk away from its obligations.
“FFA has held countless hours of discussions with HSG on a wide range of issues affecting the club and the A-League,” said Mr Buckley.
“The Jets know very well that the Jason Culina matter is subject to arbitration before an independent panel of arbitrators in accordance with the Grievance Procedure and that a hearing is scheduled.
“The issues surrounding the operating model of the league and its clubs were addressed just a fortnight ago when all clubs were shown a road map towards sustainability.
“In addition, the clubs will have a greater say through the Joint A-League Strategic Committee, which has equal FFA and club representation.
“The FFA chairman Frank Lowy and I have made numerous offers to meet in person with Nathan Tinkler. Just two weeks ago a scheduled meeting was cancelled by HSG at short notice.
“However, none of this provides a justification for today’s announcement by HSG or provides any grounds for the Newcastle Jets to relinquish their licence.”
Chris
Guest
Just great,what about the parents and kids who chose a sports high school over other high schools just because of the presence of the jets,a big selling point in there decision,where does this leave them,I feel i let my child down,fancy trusting JIBBERISH BANDWAGON,MUMBO,JUMBO,please tell these victims what your mark will be out of 10
Hansie
Guest
Tinkler isn't good for sport or sports teams. His only move seems to be to sack people or, in this case, sack the competition when he doesn't get his way. Given the FFA statement, there also have to be question marks over Tinkler's credibility.
Lou
Guest
Our game is being being attacked. Smells of Conspiracy! This is a case of big dummy spits by big people,who don't care and don't understand football or people.(this means you Clive) IIt seems that our game takes one step forward and two steps back , but we must keep going we cannot give up. The game is bigger than the egos that are trying to destroy the establishment,yes there are problems, but they are only solutions that are waiting to happen. Come on big egos ,get real look at solutions and move forward
Paul
Guest
When the deal was done in 2010, the Newcastle Herald reported that it was a 10 year licence. If HSG feel they can return the licence, there must have been a serious breach on FFA's part, otherwise there's going to be some nasty court action. Far out, I wish the action focused on what the players did, not the lawyers.
Brett McKay
Expert
oh good, so this all should just clear itself up pretty quickly...
bartinho
Guest
this is all really seeming like big mining magnates just getting angry because something that they are involved in cant be resolved by giveing the correct pollitical party a sizable donation and getting your way. So frustrating to only hear about the A-league when a mess like this happens.
Offside
Guest
So he can't just give the license back'. So what's stopping him from putting 'Freedon of Speech' on the front of their shirts next season and having his license revoked.
bartinho
Guest
storm in a massive beer glass
Chris
Guest
Now that's interesting. Essentially we now have a case of 'he said, she said'. Sounds like the FFA feel they're on pretty safe ground legally. Tinkler might be receiving some legal documents if he follows through with his threat to bail...