Serepisos announcement delayed

Terry Serepisos File photo

No decision will be made today with regards to the future of Terry Serepisos' ownership of the Wellington Phoenix, according to Football Federation Australia Ltd (FFA).

An FFA spokesman said property tycoon Serepisos, who has debts of more than $200 million, met A-League boss Lyall Gorman in Australia today but no information would be released.

"The meeting was constructive, talks are continuing and there's no announcement to be made today and hopefully there'll be a resolution soon on the ownership,'' the spokesman said.

"There's no concern from our end. Everything's been worked on to put in place to make sure there's a positive outcome for the Wellington Phoenix football club.''

A consortium of Wellington businessmen, including Rob Morrison, his brother, Infratil founder Lloyd Morrison, economist and millionaire philanthropist Gareth Morgan and his son, Trade Me founder Sam Morgan are rumoured to be keen to take over the club if Serepisos can no longer fund it.

Speculation had swirled that today loomed as a deadline for Serepisos to prove he could continue to bankroll the club, but FFA spokesman Mark Jensen said that was not the case.

"We don't put deadlines on these things. We work through issues until they are resolved.''

Further rumours suggested Serepisos needed to stump up with a $2 million bond, but Jensen also poured cold water on that suggestion.

"It's been speculated on, but we actually haven't come out and said anything.

"All the business operations are done behind closed doors and we don't speculate on them.''

The club still needs to sign three more players to meet the A-League required minimum of 20 squad members, before they open their campaign against the Gold Coast on October 9, while coach Ricki Herbert has not denied reports he is owed more than $100,000 in unpaid wages.