Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has filed a grievance procedure with FFA on behalf of Griffiths and the organisation confirmed today an independent arbitrator will rule this afternoon on the case.

All parties concerned are staying out of the media spotlight until the hearing is completed.

The independent arbitrator will decide whether the Jets have reneged on an alleged deal to sell Griffiths to Chinese Super League Champions Beijing Guoan for $350,000.

Beijing begins training for the new season on Sunday and the club want Griffiths registered by the January 11 Asian Champions League registration deadline. The Jets want the player to remain in Newcastle till the end of the A-League season. 

If there was a delay in handing down the decision, within the AFC rules for ACL registration, Beijing could still have till January 23 to register the fringe Socceroo.

  • The tribunal today ordered for the case to be heard in full on Tuesday.