The Jets yesterday fired coach Branko and dumped marquee star Jason in a furious row over the player's knee injury which now appears could end his playing career.

But the Socceroo had just signed a three year deal with the Jets worth around $2.5 million - and his potentially career ending injury isn't covered by insurance as it's the same knee that was injured when he signed for the Jets.

The deal meant Jets owner Nathan Tinkler would be personally liable for the star's salary for the duration of the three year deal, with possibly no chance Jason will ever make a single appearance for his new club.

Yesterday as Tinkler sacked the pair from his side in a shock move just days before the start of the A-League, the club said they had asked the FFA to "set aside" Culina's contract, but refused to clarify what exactly they meant by that.

However today the FFA insisted they were powerless to get involved in the contract row, and said they were bound by the standard player contract agreed between the FFA and Professional Footballers Australia.

This means the only body that can rule on the viability of a contract is the independent board of the National Dispute Resolution Chamber.

"All parties to the SPC are obliged to submit exclusively to the jurisdiction of the NDRC and agree that the outcome is final and binding," said an FFA statement.

It is understood the Jets are offering no compensation to either of the Culinas for terminating the contracts.

Branko Culina was just one year into a five year deal with the club, although it is understood there may have been a clause restricting him to just six months salary if it was ended early.

Both Culinas are expected to take legal action over the controversy.

Former Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick and ex-Jets boss Gary van Egmond are current favourites to take the hotseat when the Jets announce Branko's replacement, but the Jets have also been linked with a move for Roar's double-winning coach Ange Postecoglou.

Lawrie McKinna has also been tipped as a contender for the job but he is believed to have another position lined up. He still has very close ties with his old club Central Coast Mariners and is unlikely to join their arch rivals.

Ex-Sydney FC and Adelaide United boss John Kosmina is also unlikely to make a return to the A-League with the Jets as he is settled with his family in Adelaide.

Tinkler may however look overseas for a marquee coaching appointment by bringing in an experienced European coach.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Newcastle Jets caretaker coach Craig Deans and club captain Jobe Wheelhouse have said sackings came 'out of the blue'.

"It is out of my control what happens there and I am more worried about the boys keeping focus for Saturday," said Deans.

"I found out at 12 o'clock. I got called to the office today and the club asked me if I would step in the interim. I had meetings scheduled in regards to the youth team and they got put to the side."

Wheelhouse, who attended the official A-league season launch in Sydney on Tuesday morning alongside Branko and fellow Jets player Tarek Elrich also said the coach's sacking came as a surprise.

"We were down in Sydney this morning and had a coffee together," explained Wheelhouse. "Me and Tarek were on the freeway coming back when we found out.

"I don't think too much will change. We have had a bit of a talk in the playing group and the priority is the weekend's game.

"We have been training for six months and that is what is on our mind."

Wheelhouse admitted that the ill-timed sacking could be a distraction as the club prepares for its season-opening clash against the Melbourne Heart this Saturday.

"If you let it get to you it can be but we are all very strong-minded boys and six months worth of training will do that to you," he said.

"I have been here since day one and there had been a lot of adversity in the seven years. It is probably not ideal but we are strong boys so we will get through it.

"It is very disappointing to see him (Branko) go, but this is football and coaches and players leave the club from time to time. That is football."

Deans, who has only been a coach for three years after a knee injury curtailed his playing career, said his appointment was unexpected and he hadn't thought about applying for the role full-time.

"I wasn't expecting it all it is not something I have had a great deal of time to think about." Deans said.

"Hopefully after the session today I can go away and have a good clear think about it and all the other stuff. We have a game on Saturday and the weeks after that as well."