Football Federation Australia says that Nathan Tinkler and his Hunter Sports Group cannot walk away from their ownership of Newcastle Jets.
Mining magnate Tinkler announced that he would end his tenure as Jets owner after a disagreement with FFA regarding his A-League licence which cost him $5million, reported to be way more than any other owner had paid.
Hunter Sports Group are keen to pull the pin on their Jets ownership but a statement released by FFA suggests they don't have the right to do so.
'Football Federation Australia Limited (FFA) was today informed by the Hunter Sports Group that Newcastle Jets Football Operations Pty Ltd (Newcastle Jets) is seeking to relinquish its license to operate the Newcastle Jets football club in the Hyundai A-League,' read the statement.
'FFA 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 30 June 2020.
'FFA also expects that the Jets will continue to honour the playing contracts in place with each of their players.
'FFA CEO Ben Buckley today expressed his dismay at HSG's announcement.'
"There are players, coaches, members and supporters who 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 Hyundai A-League. They can rightfully feel let down.""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," said Mr Buckley.
