Football
ESPN staff 9y

Newcastle Jets' A-League licence voided by Football Federation Australia

Newcastle Jets had their A-League licence terminated by Football Federation Australia on Wednesday.

The move comes for the alleged non-payment of players and failure to meet operational requirements, FFA said in a statement.

Earlier, the foundation club of the Australian domestic competition had been placed into voluntary administration by its owners, Hunter Sports Group (HSG).

FFA CEO David Gallop said HSG had been given every chance to continue as owners of the licence, but were unable to meet the required conditions.

"FFA has taken this action to protect the interests of the football community in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, and to safeguard the image and reputation of the A-League and its member clubs," Gallop said. "HSG has behaved in a deplorable way towards the players and staff of the club in failing to meet basic obligations to pay wages. Anyone who takes control of a sporting club has an obligation to respect the people and the traditions of that club."

Gallop added that a new licence would be issued to new administrators owned and controlled by FFA. A club from Newcastle will remain a member of the Hyundai A-League and current players of the Newcastle Jets will be offered contracts for the 2015-2016 season.

"First of all, we will listen to all the key stakeholders in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley," said Gallop. "This region has incredibly strong community values and any future ownership needs to have people at the heart of things.

"That's a core value for football in Australia and something we are very committed to in relation to the A-League club in Newcastle."

The Newcastle Jets were formed in 2000 when they joined the old National Soccer League. They were one of only three former NSL sides to become part of the A-League, which began in 2005.

They were victorious in the 2008 Grand Final to win their one and only A-League championship and made the round of 16 in the 2009 AFC Champions League.

In the 2014-15 season, they finished last in the 10-team competition with only three wins in 27 games, after sacking several key players, including former Socceroos Joel Griffiths and David Carney, mid-campaign.

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