Roar debts in limbo as deal stalls

BRISBANE Roar owners the Bakrie Group have not met Football Federation Australia expectations after failing to clear the club’s debts by yesterday.

FFA officials were understood to be disappointed last night, having hoped the Indonesian conglomerate would meet yesterday’s deadline to prove they should not be stripped of the embattled Roar’s A-League licence.

Having been encouraged after a meeting in Sydney last week with two Bakrie Group representatives, the sport’s national governing body was expecting evidence of their intentions by yesterday in the form of debts being paid and a detailed plan on how the owners would return the Roar to a viable position.

But apart from last Monday’s payment of overdue staff wages, the Bakrie Group provided very little in the past week to prove their commitment to the cause.

However, FFA is not ready to strip the Bakries of the club’s licence and remain hopeful that the owners will meet their commitments and deliver on their promises next week.

It is understood the Bakrie Group want to retain ownership of the club – much to the anger of many disgruntled Brisbane fans – for at least another two seasons.

But urgent action is required, with Gambaro Pty Ltd having this week launched Supreme Court action to have the club wound up over an unpaid debt of $30,424.

The application is listed for a directions hearing on September 16 – a day after the club’s monthly wages are due to be paid.

Former coach Mike Mulvey is also taking legal action against the Roar, alleging the club has not provided promised remuneration following his sacking last November.

Meanwhile, the Roar yesterday lodged their appeal against an independent arbitrator’s decision to allow midfielder Luke Brattan to leave the club on a free transfer following the club’s tardiness in paying him superannuation.