A-League leaders Newcastle have avoided being wound up by the Australian Taxation Office after clearing a “legacy” debt.
It can be revealed that the Jets were last week issued a wind-up notice from the ATO, but paid the undisclosed debt the following day.
The Australian Professional Leagues, which runs the A-League, and Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater confirmed to NewsWire on Monday that the club had been served the notice.
“The club was made aware of the matter late last week and resolved it immediately with the ATO,” said Drinkwater, who added that the debt amount was “confidential”.
“The club has strengthened its financial governance over the last 20 months and continues to deal with legacy issues as they arise from time to time.”
It’s understood that the Jets were caught off-guard by the wind-up notice, having been in constant contact with the ATO regarding the debt.
Drinkwater was positive about the Jets’ future.
“The club continues to go from strength to strength with the support of our members, partners, players, fans and staff,” she said.
“Our men’s team have secured their place in the finals and we look forward to a strong run home and playing finals football for the first time since 2018.”
With a month of the regular season remaining, Newcastle – 2-1 winners over Sydney FC on Sunday at Allianz Stadium – lead the A-League by four points from second-placed Auckland FC.
Under coach Mark Milligan, the Jets have already lifted silverware this season, having beaten NPL Victoria club Heidelberg United 3-1 in October’s Australia Cup final.
That victory secured them a berth in next season’s AFC Champions League Two competition.
However, should they claim the A-League premiership by finishing the regular season on top of the table, the Jets will step up to take part in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite competition.
