Newcastle Jets to call on FFA for wage help

A-League club Newcastle Jets may have to call on Football Federation Australia to help them with player payments.

The Jets are struggling to keep up with their wage bill and owner Con Constantine has been forced to approach FFA for assistance in the matter.

New A-League chief Lyall Gorman confirmed that the league and the Jets had opened discussions regarding the club’s financial situation.

''We've been made aware of some short-term financial issues with the Newcastle Jets and that they've fallen behind in meeting some of their short-term financial obligations,'' he told the Herald yesterday. ''We're working with them to try and better understand what that looks like and how short-term it is. Hopefully, we can find out as quickly as possible the full extent of what the real issues are.''

Constantine admitted he would seek assistance from the federation and the league.

''All I want from the FFA is a short-term solution in the form of some financial assistance,'' he said. ''I don't want a handout. I just need a little help to get over this obstacle and, in the future, I promise everything will be tidied up.

''I understand that the FFA, unfortunately, have got very little dollars in their coffers. But we need them to come to the party. I know it's beautiful to have the Socceroos but the A-League is the bread and butter of Australian football.''