BRISBANE Roar players remain committed to the club and coach John Aloisi despite the ownership and pay crisis continuing to haunt the three-time A-League champions.

Roar players and staff yesterday received only part of their monthly pay, which was due three days ago.

Football Federation Australia have been advised by club owners, Indonesian conglomerate the Bakrie Group, that the remainder of the wages will be “progressively” paid this week.

“FFA has reiterated its position to the Bakrie Group that the late payment of payroll is unacceptable,” a spokesman from the sport’s national governing body said.

“The Bakrie Group is engaged in talks for the sale of the Roar.

“FFA has told the Bakries that resolving the club’s ownership situation is now a matter of urgency.”

If the situation is not resolved, FFA is ready to step in to run a second club, having already taken control of the Newcastle Jets.

Roar chairman and Bakrie Group senior vice president Chris Fong remains overseas attempting to finalise the sale of the club to a consortium consisting of foreign and Australian investors.

FFA is in no doubt that there is genuine interest in the club. It’s a belief further strengthened by the Bakrie Group paying wages, albeit late, after reportedly vowing not to invest any more money into the club.

That money also includes an expected payment to the Queensland Rugby Union, who have taken legal action against the Roar for more than $60,000 worth of unpaid Ballymore tenancy rent.

It’s expected that matter will be resolved before tomorrow’s Supreme Court date, ensuring the Roar won’t be wound up.

Despite the pay drama, Roar players have continued to stay positive ahead of tomorrow night’s trial against Melbourne Victory at Southport.

“We’re not even thinking about (not getting paid) … it’s all going to resolve itself, ” Brisbane defender Jade North said.

“From the start we’ve just said we’ve got to concentrate on football and what we can do and hopefully deliver it on the park.

“I’m enjoying it. We need a really big season. John’s brought in some good ideas. It’s a clean slate for everyone.”

North was thrilled with the Roar’s football department, which includes John and Ross Aloisi, Karl Dodd and Craig Moore.

“It’s brilliant that we’ve got football people and football brains,” he said.

“A lot of clubs in the A-League don’t have this. It’s great to have these guys around.” Professional Footballers Australia chief executive Adam Vivian called for the Roar matter to be “resolved immediately”.

“The A-League’s reputation cannot afford to be damaged by the non-payment of players,” Vivian said.

“The effectiveness of the salary cap and the model which underpins the game must be reviewed. “A long-term solution is also required. The players having proposed a number of measures to address this issue through the collective bargaining negotiations.

“To date, these measures have not been addressed by FFA.”

Originally published as Payday blues is not the end for Roar