WORLD Rugby League global marketing director Paul Faires will not make any attempt to take over control of York Wasps Rugby League Club.

French-based businessman Mr Faires, whose company is behind the sponsorship of the Wasps, told the Evening Press last night that neither he nor his company would be interested in stepping in to run the beleaguered club.

However, Mr Faires, who was only briefly in England yesterday, would be willing to continue funding them - IF other parties would also stump up cash.

"We don't want to own a club," he said. "We are a sponsorship company, not an owning company. I have got too much on my plate in Australia, France, with Super League and the Grand Final, but we are willing to help out as long as there are others who do the same.

"We have a small office in York, where three of the players work, and that is staying there, as are the players.

"Yes, we are interested in helping, but we don't want to be left holding the baby. We'll contribute, yes, but ownership, no.

"We will assist the club, but we cannot be the only ones. The club needs local businesses and individuals on board."

Mr Faires, whose company employs the Wasps trio of Peter Edwards, Carl Hall and Ben Sorbello, said he was shocked to receive an email from the club's chief executive, Ann Garvey, telling him that the club was to cease trading.

"I'm disappointed at the way they just pulled the plug on it all," he added. "The debts are very minor and probably 90 per cent of clubs in the first division (the Northern Ford Premiership) are in a similar situation.

"With Leo (Epifania, the Wasps coach) at the helm, the club have got the chance to go places. Leo is perhaps one of the best coaches in the league and I'm sure the supporters will agree that things have improved 1,000 per cent."

Updated: 11:55 Thursday, March 21, 2002