FFA Assured Newcastle Jets Will Survive

The Australian Taxation Office wants to wind up the club for non-payment of back taxes.

Gallop, who met senior Hunter Sports Group officials yesterday, will resume talks in Sydney today to work out a timeline to pay the A-League club’s $1m tax bill.

“The FFA has been given assurances by Hunter Sports Group, owner and operator of the Newcastle Jets, that the club’s operations will not be affected,” Gallop said.

Embattled Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby said he was hopeful the matter would be resolved quickly.

“I’ve been given assurances the issue involving the Australian tax office will be resolved in the near future,” Middleby said.

“Our main concern is for our players and staff, who are in Perth for a game, to keep their minds on the job. The club looks forward to continuing an outstanding 2012-13 season.” 

Although HSG owner Nathan Tinkler had allegedly failed to make payments to his NRL players at the Knights, Jets players said the same had not happened to them.

“We’ve just got to go out there and do our best, and things will either work out or won’t,” stand-in captain Ruben Zadkovich said.

“I don’t think the Newcastle Jets are in any danger at the moment. We’ve just got to focus on the football and let the off-field drama sort itself out.”