The Hoppers were in contention to host the second semi-final at Bunton Park on Saturday.

But Mr Chamberlain, who holds the fate of the parent body, North Albury Sports Club, in his hands, advised the league at the weekend the Hoppers would be withdrawing their bid to host a final.

The move has denied the Hoppers a potential financial windfall, but there was no guarantee any of the proceeds from the day would end up with the football-netball club.

As an affiliate of the sports club, it is also in administration and its bank accounts are frozen.

“It wasn’t something we needed to be expending resources on at this stage,” Mr Chamberlain said.

“It could’ve been a profitable venture, but the bigger picture is what we need to concentrate on.”

The second semi-final between Albury and Yarrawonga will be played at Corowa’s John Foord Oval, after the Hoppers hosted the corresponding match last year.

Meanwhile, the chances of the sports club being saved are fading by the day.

Mr Chamberlain said last night he had no update on the member pledges that the club had hoped would raise $250,000 in a fortnight.

A week ago, Mr Chamberlain issued the challenge to members to come up with the significant amount.

But there has been no update from the $50,000 figure he revealed after the initial creditors’ meeting last Thursday.

“We will trade this weekend, but the jury is out thereafter,” he said.

“I can’t make any long-term commitments.

“Discussions are being held with some parties, but I can’t comment any further at this stage.

“As much as everyone says ‘we aren’t trading too bad’, it doesn’t resolve where we are at.

“We are massively short of the mark and that is the problem.”

Mr Chamberlain confirmed if the sports club was shut down, all property, including poker machines, car park and items belonging to affiliate clubs, would be the subject of a “fire sale”.

The sports club has 27 poker machine licences.