AS uncertainty over the future of the Newcastle Jesters continues, the Ice Hockey Superleague has admitted that taking over the club is not out of the question.
Suggestions have circulated that the ISL could resume control of the Tyneside outfit, as it did in the years leading up to the franchise's sale to Scandinavian sporting firm Jokerit.
If this weekend's games, away to the Ayr Scottish Eagles and London Knights, do not take place then it is thought the ISL board may take a serious look at the Jesters' position in the league this season.
Two games have already been cancelled and the possibility of this weekend's games going ahead is becoming less likely as the £150,000 wages from last season still have not been paid by owners the Eye Group.
As a result, the club is under an ISL ban on registering players.
With the ISL board not due to meet for two weeks, an emergency meeting may even be called to deal with the situation.
Regarding the possibility of the club running under ISL control, a league spokeswoman admitted: "Taking back the franchise is always a possibility with any team if they get into difficulty."
Despite director of hockey Glenn Mulvenna being told on Monday to start signing players by his board, the team can not ice until the registration embargo is lifted.
But even if the league did take over, it may not be soon enough to save the Jesters' season.
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