The Newcastle Jets has lodged an official complaint with the FFA over the rescheduling of its Round 26 A-League clash.
The Newcastle Jets has lodged an official complaint with the FFA over the rescheduling of its Round 26 A-League clash against the Wellington Phoenix.
Known to the A-League when it prepared the season draw, the FIFA international weekend clashed with Round 26 of the A-League. Wellington Phoenix are scheduled to play the Newcastle Jets at home on the same weekend New Zealand play a World Cup qualifier.
The A-League Football Department has decided to reschedule the Jets v Phoenix game for Wednesday February 27, meaning the Jets take on Wellington in Wellington, sandwiched between games against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
The Jets, understanding the problem that the FFA has identified, were willing to compromise and recommended playing the mid-week fixture in Newcastle instead of Wellington.
Newcastle Jets CEO Robbie Middleby feels strongly that any change to the draw should not be to the detriment of the Jets.
“We are getting into the business end of the season and for the Jets to be disadvantaged by this FFA decision is unacceptable,” Middleby said.
“It is unfair for the Jets to play three games in nine days, while Wellington stay in New Zealand and the rest of the competition aren-t experiencing any change to their schedule.
“This is an unfortunate predicament and our compromise of playing mid-week in Newcastle is more than fair.
“We remain at a loss as to why it has taken six months for this to come to light and why the Jets are the ones to be disadvantaged.”
Jets coach Gary van Egmond was frustrated at the decision.
“In a close competition like we have at the moment, this decision could have a real bearing on our season,” van Egmond said.
“Clearly we will need our full squad and to draw on the special camaraderie and mental strength to get through this situation we now find ourselves in.
“I am disappointed for our players, management, members, fans and corporate supporters that our efforts to compromise fell on deaf ears.
“To decline our compromise to play the game in Newcastle, claiming it would disadvantage Wellington, is insulting for the credibility of the A-League competition, our players and fans.”
