The Newcastle Jets A-League saga turned even uglier on Friday and appears certain to head to court, as the battle between owner Nathan Tinkler and Football Federation Australia intensifies.
Tinkler's Hunter Sports says it will follow through with its decision to return the club's licence, claiming compromise talks with FFA had broken down, while FFA hit back strongly with its own statement, saying no formal negotiations had taken place and that it had not seen, let alone rejected, HSG's proposal.
The contradictory and confusing developments came as more than a thousand Jets fans gathered for a rally at Hunter Stadium to plead for the club's survival.
While the events came as a further blow to hopes a team in the city will remain in the A-League, FFA hinted it could be prepared to step in and save the club, or line up new owners.
