Tony Petty has flown back to Australia for Christmas

"After having assurances last Thursday that we would definitely be paid, they are now turning round on Christmas Eve and saying that funding is not available to pay us."

Don Goss, a director at the club, broke the news to Cusack because owner Tony Petty has flown back to his Australian home for the holiday period

Petty, who took control of the club in October, has earned the wrath of staff, supporters and the PFA for cost-cutting measures.

This included the attempted sacking of seven of the playing staff, a move which was ruled in breach of contract by the PFA.

Petty has also had to fight a court battle for control of Swansea City FC from former director and player Mel Nurse, who acquired the club's outstanding debt from former owners Ninth Floor plc.

"I've had to ring the players now and explain the situation to them, and obviously they're devastated," Cusack added.

Colin Addison has also not been paid by the club

"It's a huge blow to everybody and that's the way they're treating the players, with such contempt. They deserve better than that."

Cusack also said that pension payments are a "number of months" late and that the PFA has had to step in and divert money from the central distribution fund, money that would normally be paid directly to the club, into the pensions.

According to Cusack, Petty had telephoned the PFA deputy chief executive, Brendan Batson, on Christmas Eve asking for a loan to meet the wages.

However, the Swans skipper points out that Petty had left it too late to contact the PFA if he realistically expected any help.

"We've got very important matches coming up," Cusack said. "We had a good win on Friday and this is really going to set the players back, set the club back."