CONFUSION surrounds the future of the Ice Hockey Superleague's South Yorkshire franchise after a "decision" to allow the Sheffield Steelers to join the British National League.

The decision was apparently made by the BNL late on Saturday afternoon, however, sources believe the meeting, in Tamworth, was "unofficial" and that an end to the long-running saga has yet to arrive.

But, although Newcastle Jesters chairman Paul Smith has often commented that Sheffield's involvement in the ISL is critical, director of hockey Glenn Mulvenna is confident the situation will not affect his side.

Former Newcastle general manager Mike O'Connor, who is part of the Jenkinson/Cooke/Smith group which was apparently awarded a place in the BNL on Saturday, said they had been accepted by the league.

O'Connor, who left Tyneside at the end of last season, said: "It's certainly been a bit of a dogfight, but we had a lot of support. Thank God something's finally gone our way."

With four weeks left before the season faces off for Newcastle, against the Nottingham Panthers at the Telewest Arena on September 2, Mulvenna will surely be pressing for the club's owners to get the club's own difficulties sorted out.

And, having spoken to Smith, he said: "He's indicated to me that there is going to be hockey in Newcastle next year."

Mulvenna is still waiting for the Eye Group to pay the wages owed to last season's roster before he can make any signings and, although he has offered contracts, time is running short if he is to get a squad together.

Smith said last week he was confident the Norton Lea group would secure a deal to have ISL hockey at the Sheffield Arena.