Soccer: Faith in Serepisos to keep Phoenix

Terry Serepisos. Photo / Getty Images

Professional Football Australia, the A-League's players' representative, yesterday joined tournament boss Lyall Gorman in anticipating a swift resolution to the Wellington Phoenix's latest financial woes.

While Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos was reportedly in Switzerland to organise the repayment of a $3.5 million debt to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Australian football chiefs were optimistic the club's current economic crisis would soon be solved, possibly before the playoffs begin on February 18.

Gorman reiterated his positive outlook yesterday, saying he was in regular contact with Serepisos and had no doubt the club would remain viable despite IRD attempts to liquidate four of the businessman's companies.

"I speak to Terry on a daily basis. It's full steam ahead and solutions will be in place," Gorman said.

"He advises me and I accept fully that there's no need for concern.

"It's all on track and very positive."

Gorman noted the IRD did not publish advertisements relating to the liquidation of Century City Soccer - the company which owns the Phoenix's licence to compete in the A-League - in Wellington media yesterday, as anticipated. "I've got a lot of faith in Terry's track record and commitment to the Wellington Phoenix."

PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab said his organisation was also satisfied the Phoenix would survive after discussions with Gorman and the sport's governing body Football Federation Australia (FFA).

"We've received assurances from FFA that they're content with the stability of the club despite some of the issues which have been publicised," he said.

The Phoenix, he added, were not unique in experiencing financial difficulties.

- NZPA