Dispute Causes Masi's Demise
Newcastle Herald
Thursday February 19, 2004
FIJIAN striker Esala Masi had hoped to return from injury for Newcastle United's final home game against the Melbourne Knights tomorrow night but instead finds himself looking for a new club.
United general manager Jock Graham yesterday confirmed a report in The Herald that Masi's contract had been terminated.
Graham met with Masi and a representative from the Professional Footballers Association on Monday.
Graham would not outline the details of the meeting other than to say that Masi had failed to meet contractual obligations.
``I met with him on Monday afternoon to discuss a number of issues concerning his obligations to the club in terms of his contract and the club's code of conduct," Graham said.
``I am not going into the specifics of those issues, but it is fair to say that those outcomes are not taken lightly."
The Herald understands that the breaches involved medical insurance, Masi's failure to get permission to play in a tournament in Fiji and other issues relating to his working visa.
Graham said all the parties had agreed on a settlement and wished Masi and his family the best for the future.
Masi, who is still awaiting final payment from United, said he was disappointed to leave United but would not comment any further.
``I wanted to finish the two games on a good note," he said.
It is understood that the situation came to a head after Masi approached the PFA to act on his behalf over a money issue with the club which dated back some time.
He is the fourth high-profile player in the past year who has gone to the PFA over conflicts with United. Graham said disagreements with Joey Schirripa, Travis Dodd and Scott Baillie had arisen after they had left the club.
He was not concerned by the latest incident and said he welcomed the PFA's involvement.
``The PFA is there to provide advice to footballers concerning any matter," he said.
``Again, in this instance, I continue to applaud their involvement."
Meanwhile, United coach Ian Crook has been forced to make one change to the side for tomorrow night's clash with the Knights.
Teenager Jason Cowburn comes into the squad for suspended defender Josh Mitchell.
Cowburn will start on the bench alongside Mitchell Wallace, Keegan Wolfenden and Ben Kennedy.
Mark Wilson moves off the bench into midfield with Scott Thomas switching to left fullback.
United: Tom Willis, Craig Deans, Scott Thomas, Michael Prentice, Mark Wilson, Ryan Griffiths, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Musialik, Robbie Middleby, Peter McPherson, Tom Libbesson, Keegan Wolfenden, Jason Cowburn, Mitchell Wallace, Ben Kennedy
© 2004 Newcastle Herald