Despite attempts at seeking a resolution with FFA, the decision to return the Newcastle Jets’ A-League licence remains.
The Newcastle Jets confirm that following last week-s announcement and attempts at seeking resolution with Football Federation Australia (FFA) that the decision remains to return the Newcastle Jets A-League licence.
Despite recent inflammatory comments by FFA Management, lengthy discussions between Troy Palmer of Newcastle Jets and Ben Buckley, CEO FFA took place in which the Newcastle Jets proposed options for a compromise.
In relation to the major issues between the Newcastle Jets and FFA that have led to this untenable situation, Newcastle Jets proposed the following:
1. The Newcastle Jets Licence fee be reviewed and amended in line with the fees paid by the owners of Adelaide United. A transaction completed only 2 months after the Jets were saved.
2. The Jason Culina insurance matter be settled immediately with financial liability being shared equally between the Newcastle Jets, FFA and the Player.
3. The Newcastle Jets will invest $250,000 on behalf of all clubs and the FFA to create an independent taskforce to review ownership, financial and commercial models of football competitions globally to make recommendations on improving the sustainability and transparency of the A-League with a view of implementation in the 2013/14 Season.
4. The Newcastle Jets continue with the A-League Licence until 30 June 2020.
Mr Buckley immediately rejected the above proposal.
This inflexible stance highlights the inequitable position and ongoing discrimination in which the Jets have been placed over the past 18 months. The FFA-s mindset of being unwilling to negotiate provides a clear impression that FFA does not want the Newcastle Jets to be part of the football family.
Confident of its legal position, Newcastle Jets now welcome and look forward to any forthcoming legal action. Such action will bring transparency and integrity to dealings that the Newcastle Jets have sought throughout its involvement in the A-League.
Whilst disappointed to be pushed into this position, the Newcastle Jets remain proud of its achievements to rebuild the Jets by attracting over 10,000 Members, greatly increasing crowd attendance, securing major corporate support, creation of a Merchandise program that set benchmarks in the A-League and the establishment of a Football Department befitting of a professional code. All elements that were not in place when the Newcastle Jets were saved in September 2010.
As a not for profit organisation, the Newcastle Jets made a commitment to its community, to football and to aspiring juniors in the area. This commitment remains, with further investment in junior development and an elite academy in the Hunter.
Finally, the Newcastle Jets remain committed to working with contracted players and staff to identify new career opportunities.
* The Newcastle Jets apologise for the timing of this announcement before the A-League Grand Final, however a formal response was requested by the FFA’s legal team before the close of business today.
