NEWCASTLE Jets players and staff could benefit from a $130 billion Jobkeeper rescue package launched by the Federal Government on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Jets and majority of other A-League clubs were set to stand down players and staff without pay as the financial pain from the COVID-19 crisis worsens.
Perth Glory owner Tony Sage announced on Saturday that he had effectively shut down the club while the season was postponed.
Many clubs, including the Jets, were considering a similar measure.
However, club chief executives were on Monday night analysing the detail of the latest economic stimulus.
The scheme will provide a flat payment of $1500 a fortnight to workers. Businesses must have had a drop in turnover of at least 30 per cent due to the virus to qualify. The cash will flow from May 1, but be backdated to March 30
The league's perilous financial position is a result of the growing uncertainty around the broadcast rights.
Foxtel's quarterly payment - believed to be approximately $12 million - is due to be delivered to Football Federation Australia on Wednesday.
That money is carved and distributed to the clubs as a monthly grant which is used to pay players and staff on the 15th of every month.
Foxtel have indicated similar, albeit far greater payments, to the National Rugby League won't be forthcoming and key figures within football expect a similar stance as a consequence of the A-League's hiatus.
The players' union, Professional Footballers Australia, has threatened legal action against owners - including a potential $600,000 fine under the Fair Work Act - if players are stood down.
The Jets confirmed on Saturday that a player had tested positive to COVID-19 and was in self isolation. That player was asymptomatic and the Newcastle Herald has been told that no other players have developed any symptoms as yet.
In an interview on Friday, Jets utility Jason Hoffman admitted there was growing unease about the league but he was maintaining a positive attitude.
"It is a nervous time for a lot of people, not just footballers and sports people," Hoffman said. "I think it is a nervous time for anyone employed. In my situation, I have two young girls and a wife who is on maternity leave at home.
"You do get a bit nervous about what may happen, but I have always been a positive person. The thing I say to my wife - we try not to talk about it in front of my two year old - is that life will go on. Even in the worst case, the sun still rises and sets at the start and end of every day. We will find a way to get through.
"We are not going to hide from the fact that the broadcast deal is a huge factor in the survival of the game. Not only at a professional level but down to grass roots. It is a bit selfish to just look out our own situation as professionals. There are kids who maybe won't have an opportunity to develop for another year if they miss out on winter comps. You feel for everyone involved in the game.
"We do earn a living from playing the game and we will struggle if the Fox Sports deal doesn't go through.
"We need to do our part as players - promote the game well, make sure we get good messages out there, stay fit and as soon as we get the nod, we can hopefully get back to giving people some entertainment."
FFA will on April 22 review the decision to postpone the league. The Jets have four games remaining and are three points behind sixth-placed Western United, who have played two less games.
The Jets have been given individual programs and have been provided spin cycles by Concept Gym to help maintain their fitness.
"FFA made an announcement that the A-League would be postponed until April 22," Hoffman said. "For us that is the date we have in our mind.
"The club has mapped out programs and the bike sessions are just one part of it. We have strength work we can do, running and ball work. With the bikes, we can maybe download an app and compete against each other. Try and keep that competitive edge alive. If we get the green light we want to be ready to rock and roll.
"It will be a good test for the group. When we resume training as a group, you will definitely know who has been doing the program and who hasn't.
"I can't see us being a group who won't do it. We are a pretty motivated group, especially the way things are going with the new coach."
