Football Federation Australia has dropped a bombshell, stripping business man Con Constantine of his A-League licence and handing it to mining and racing identity Nathan Tinkler.
The FFA acted after a series of meetings with Constantine where it determined the businessman could not meet the Jets’ short and long term obligations.
“We have signed an agreement with Nathan Tinkler which secures the club’s
participation for this season,” FFA boss Ben Buckley said today.
“The agreement also grants an option for him to acquire the licence for the long term.
“This is a fantastic result for the Hyundai A-League, the club and the people of the
Newcastle area.
“Ever since our first discussion I could tell that Nathan was an extremely proud
Novacastrian and I welcome his involvement in football.
“Starting immediately we will be working with Nathan to broaden the support base of
the club and engage the entire football and business community of the Hunter region
in a campaign to secure its future in the Hyundai A-League for years to come.
“We are very hopeful that the fans and the local business community will demonstrate
their commitment to the Club and lead to Nathan taking out the licence on a
long-term basis.”
“My family and I have been supporters of the Newcastle Jets for years and we are
delighted to be able to step in and support the club for the City of Newcastle,”
Nathan Tinkler said.
“I have no desire to own a football club but provide a nursery for the development
of the game for the thousands of young football players in the Hunter region.
“I urge all of the Hunter community to get behind the Jets and show their support by
showing up for the games and becoming members of the club.
“We are keen to get as many sponsors on board as possible. Newcastle deserves a top
class A-League team and we are keen to help rebuild the club for the city.
“I have faith in the A-League and the concept of the national competition and I
expect Newcastle will play a big role in that future.”
FFA boss Ben Buckley has recognized Con Constatine’s contributin to the game and the Newcastle Jets, but says it’s regrettable , he could no longer maintain the club.
“Con has been the key figure in the establishment of a proud and successful club
with the high point being its premiership win in 2008.
“He has been a tremendous supporter of football in this country for many years and
he has thrown his heart and soul into the game and the Newcastle Jets.
“I would like to thank him on behalf of the football community for all that he has
done over the years.
“I would also like to thank the players, staff and fans of the Newcastle Jets for
their patience during the past couple of weeks.”
