Soccer: Kingz on brink of revolt

By Terry Maddaford

The fledgling Football Kingz soccer club were last night just hours from a possible players revolt over unpaid wages.

It appears only some hasty damage control yesterday prevented a walkout by some players who are unhappy at not being paid for the past couple of weeks.

Kingz chairman Chris Turner admitted yesterday: "There has been a delay in the transfer of funds for a week but we will rectify that by Monday.

"But talk of a players' revolt is simply not true. As far as we are aware there isn't any."

Kingz director John Batty also admitted there had been the "odd slight hiccup with cashflow from time to time" but he understood something would be in place within the "next 24 to 48 hours" to ensure outstanding wages will be paid.

"Of course it is embarrassing when people like you ring," said Batty. "I had a chat with the players last night and they did not appear too upset."

Brendon Schwab, the chief executive of the Australian League's players' association is in Auckland and met Kingz management yesterday to reaffirm the club's obligations. The meeting had been arranged some weeks ago and was not in answer to an SOS from the players.

"We are very keen to see the club [Football Kingz] is very successful," said Schwab. "If these problems were found to be more than just teething issues we would be concerned. Naturally, we are concerned players have not been paid but the club has made a strong commitment to remedy that."

It is understood the Australian players in the Kingz squad are the most worried at the non-payment of due wages.

"It is fair to say the Australians made a big commitment in coming to Auckland," said Schwab. "But I do not think it would be appropriate for the players not to play."

Schwab makes it his business to meet all clubs and players.

"There is an equal opportunity code," he said. "It is my responsibility to make sure all parties are aware of what it entails."

One issue which has been solved, according to Batty, is the row with Chileans Aaron Silva and David Moya, who have not been included in the playing squad for the past couple of weeks.

"It has been resolved in as much as they want to stay and fight for their places,'' Batty said of the pair, who claimed they were being pressured to leave the club late last month.

The off-field row comes at a difficult time for the Kingz, who' with just three wins in 10 NSL matches, are looking to push themselves up the table.

The Kingz fly to Sydney this morning for tonight's game against high-flyers Marconi Stallions.

Still not convinced he is getting the best from his players, Kingz player-coach Wynton Rufer might start tonight's 11th round game in a central midfield role.

"We don't have the creative players we would like," said Rufer, "but having said that, we have done well in our away games. Last week we let Gippsland back into the game but when we are playing away we can take more of a wait-and-see approach.''

Levent Osman is back after a one-match suspension but new signing Mark Elrick is recovering from a groin injury.