The Newcastle Jets are continuing to work tirelessly to secure an international transfer clearance for striker Joel Griffiths.
The Newcastle Jets are still awaiting an international transfer clearance (ITC) for striker Joel Griffiths ahead of Saturday-s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium.
Club CEO Robbie Middleby said the Club is continuing to work tirelessly with Griffiths- management, the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Chinese Football Association (CFA) to resolve the matter in the quickest possible fashion.
“It-s a complicated situation that stems from Joel-s contract with his former Club,” Middleby said.
“Before signing Joel, the legal advice we received from his management and the PFA was that Joel was free to sign with the Jets after his Chinese Club had terminated his contract.
“However, his contract with his previous Club is now under dispute over unpaid wages and as such an international transfer clearance cannot be granted until the matter is resolved.
“At this stage it is unlikely Joel will receive his ITC before Saturday-s match against Western Sydney, but we’ll continue to exhaust all avenues to ensure the best outcome.
“All of us at the Newcastle Jets look forward to seeing Joel representing the Club soon.”
Middleby also confirmed the close of the transfer window on February 5, will have no bearing on the situation.
“The application for Joel-s ITC was submitted during the transfer window and as such, should the dispute between Joel and the Chinese Club remain unresolved after February 5, Joel will still be eligible to play for the Jets for 2013/14 season, pending the ITC coming through,” Middleby said.
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Hunter Stadium
Saturday, February 1
Kick-off 7.45pm
Tickets available from PROticket.
