Newcastle chairman Constantine defends himself over payment issues

Newcastle Jets chairman Con Constantine says the bonus Asian Champions League payments not being made to players has nothing to do with the club.

Jets players are threatening to boycott their ACL clash with Ulsan Hyundai next week because of payment issues but Constantine has defended himself and the club, saying it’s an issue that is out of their hands.

"This issue of ACL bonuses has nothing to do with me as Chairman or the club. It's between the PFA and FFA," Constantine said.

"They have been talking, talking, talking together for the last two years about this issue of ACL bonuses. One says it's apples, the other says it's bananas.

"It has nothing to do with the Jets... nothing whatsoever."

Constantine added that it would be silly for the players to boycott seeing as they are so close to qualifying for the next round.

“They cannot strike. Legally. They are getting paid. From our point of view, we've done nothing wrong,” he added.

"And who's going to benefit from a boycott of this game? I want these boys to succeed next Wednesday. We're so close.

"The team will be on the plane on Saturday. And anyone who doesn't want to play for Newcastle Jets and he thinks he's bigger than the club, then we have no problems. He stays in Newcastle and we put a younger player in to replace him."