By David Gold
April 10 – The Australian Football Federation (FFA) has been plunged into a new crisis after the billionaire owner of Newcastle Jets, Nathan Tinkler, decided to return his licence to operate the team in the A-League, citing an untenable relationship with the country’s governing body.
The FFA has responded by saying that it accepts Tinkler’s decision, and insists that Jets must continue to honour a Club Participation Agreement until 2020.
Just last week Gold Coast United officially folded – the third Australian team to suffer that fate in recent years – after its owner, Clive Palmer, had been stripped of his licence following a public dispute with the FFA.
The body subsequently announced the creation of a new team in Western Sydney to ensure the A-League would continue with 10 sides next season.
So today’s decision by Tinkler (pictured right) decision today serves a major blow to the league
as it looks to move forward, and increase both attendances and the sport’s profile in Australia, as well as renegotiate a television rights deal.
Hunter Sports Group (HSG), Tinkler’s company which owned the licence, cited the high cost of running the team, indicating the organisation had put $12 million (£7.5 million/€9.4 million) into Newcastle Jets since it took over the licence 18 months ago.
HSG has also been involved in a wrangle with the FFA over Jason Culina (pictured top), a utility player whom they signed last year, over which organisation was responsible for his insurance.
“As a keen Jets and football fan this has been a tough decision and I am aware the impact this will have on members, players, coaches, fans and the entire football community,” Troy Palmer, HSG chief executive, said.
“I am particularly saddened for members and supporters who have embraced our community model, which has been accepted in so many areas as a successful and unique way to engage the entire community and build the A-League brand.
“It is also frustrating to have invested so much time, energy and money to save the Jets for the community at short notice and then continually hit roadblocks at the FFA.
“It should never be forgotten that when we stepped in to save the club it was insolvent; there were only 500 members, diminishing crowds, minimal community engagement, no merchandise programme and negligible corporate support.
“During the 2011/12 season we believe we turned this around to be seen as leaders in all these areas.
“Unfortunately, having lost confidence in the FFA management and its ability to find a resolution, it is clear we have no other option.
“It is about removing ourselves from an administration with which we have an untenable relationship.”
In a statement, the FFA said it 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 June 30, 2020.
“FFA also expects that the Jets will continue to honour the playing contracts in place with each of their players.”
Ben Buckley, the FFA chief executive (pictured below), commented: “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.
“There are players, coaches, members and supporters who have 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 A-League.
“They can rightfully feel let down.
“FFA has held countless hours of discussions with HSG on a wide range of issues affecting the club and the A-League.
“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.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734801692labto1734801692ofdlr1734801692owedi1734801692sni@d1734801692log.d1734801692ivad1734801692
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