FOOTBALL Federation Australia has rejected the Hunter Sports Group's stance regarding the Newcastle Jets' A-League license.
The FFA says it is yet to receive a formal proposal from the Jets about the removal of their licence, but is willing to negotiate with HSG Chief Executive Troy Palmer and chairman Nathan Tinkler.
FFA Chief Executive Ben Buckley reiterated his claim the Jets have 'embarked on a unilateral breach of contract' in attempting to return their licence and said the FFA were still awaiting HSG's official proposal, to be submitted by Friday.
"HSG embarked on a unilateral breach of contract in the first instance and has given FFA no opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting," Buckley said.
"We are disappointed that no talks have taken place to resolve our differences. The people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, and the Jets' players, coaches and staff, have a right to feel betrayed by these actions.
"FFA reaffirms its position that it does not accept that HSG has the right to return the A-League licence."
In direct response to HSG's media statement, released earlier on Friday, the FFA said no formal negotiations had taken place and denied accusations the FFA had rejected the Jets' four-point compromise proposal, which he said the governing body was only alerted to when it was sent out on Friday.
In addition, the FFA said no deadline for a formal response to legal correspondence had been asked of the Jets, instead claiming HSG's lawyers had repeatedly sought extensions, which the FFA had granted, including the latest, set for Monday April 23.
Buckley addressed each of Newcastle's four substantial matters and said two of them were subject to existing procedures still being conducted by independent bodies.
"The Jason Culina matter is being heard by an independent arbitrator and it's right and proper that the matter proceeds in this chamber without interference," Buckley said.
"The suggestion of a commercial review of the A-League is already a priority for the newly-established Joint A-League Strategic Committee, which is endorsed by the majority of A-League clubs. There's no need for a $250,000 external review
"That leaves one matter outstanding, which is the acquisition fee paid by HSG.
"We have an open offer to enter formal negotiations on this issue, but HSG has repeatedly declined to sit down around the table.
"The region (Hunter Valley) is too steeped in football tradition and passion not to be represented in the A-League."
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