Maverick owner Clive Palmer has failed in his bid to maintain control of Gold Coast United after his Supreme Court injunction application was refused on Friday night.

Football Federation Australia, who terminated Palmer’s licence on Wednesday, will now take over the operation of the last-placed club for the remaining four rounds of the A-League season.

Gold Coast players were set to sign new contracts with the FFA on Friday night to ensure they can travel to New Zealand in time for Sunday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix.