http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/FFA-response-to-Newcastle-Jets-statement/45567FFA response to Newcastle Jets statement
FFA today responded to a statement from the Hunter Sports Group
regarding its acquisition of the Newcastle Jets. FFA rejected the
inference that the group was somehow misled on licence fees at the time
of its acquisition of the licence.
�There is a difference
between a licence fee and an acquisition fee and the distinction is
important,� said Head of A-League Lyall Gorman.
�The acquisition
fee for a licence is unique to each club and reflects the particular
circumstances of that club and its market � its history, its success,
its support, prior investment including by FFA, the potential of the
market and other factors that are relevant to an assessment of value.�
�In
the case of the Jets, those market variables included the fact there
was an established club with a successful history and strong supporter
base in a traditional football area�.
�The agreement by Hunter
Sports Group to the acquisition price reflected those market factors and
followed an open and comprehensive commercial negotiation and due
diligence process�.
�There are other transactions that support the fact that there is a substantial value in an A-League license.�
The
Jets, former champions of the Hyundai A-League in the 2007/08 season,
continue to enjoy on-field success in what is shaping up as the most
competitive of finishes to a season in Hyundai A-League history.
With the Hunter Group�s commitment FFA remains confident this success, both on and off the field can only continue.
�We
absolutely agree with the comments regarding the club�s great
membership, supporter base and sponsors and commend the work that Nathan
Tinkler and his group have done in building on what was already a great
club with a rich history,� continued Gorman.
�The work the club
is doing in the area of junior development working in cooperation with
Football Northern NSW is also a great sign for the future of football in
a region with a strong football culture and high participation levels
at the grass roots.�