FFA reject Wellington Phoenix A-League licence application

Wellington Phoenix management will seek clarity from Football Federation Australia before deciding whether to apply for a shorter-than-expected A-League licence extension. They showed little interest in accepting the previously offered five year licence, and wanted 10 years to set up a long-term sustainable model with stability.

At best the New Zealand outfit has another four seasons in the league – a situation the 36-year-old described as a “token gesture”.

The Phoenix could exit the competition as soon as next season following the FFA’s decision on Monday not to grant their request for a 10-year licence extension. “If you’re not an Australian club you’re deemed not important enough to be in the league”, he said.

“They’re dealing with it as they are, they’ve got a game next weekend and that’s what you focus on”, Ifill said who coaches Wairarapa United and runs coaching clinics in New Zealand.

The Phoenix ownership group, Welnix, said it is seeking further clarification on the decision from the FFA which is reportedly keen on launching another club in Sydney.

“FFA has carefully evaluated the role and contribution of the Wellington franchise in terms of game development, player pathway, commercial factors, broadcast rights and the long-term strategic outlook”, he said in a statement.

Football Federation Australia has declined the Phoenix’s request for a 10-year licence extesion, saying the club doesn’t meet the requirements they see as fundamental to the future growth of the competition.

Local media reports suggest Wellington’s place may be offered to a third Sydney-based team.

The Phoenix are the only club in the world to compete in a league of a different confederation (Asian) from that of the country where it is based (Oceania).

However Wollongong Wolves are believed to be keen to bid, while ACT Football has consistently lobbied for a Canberra team to join the competition.

“I know that derbies are special but how many derbies can you have?” We’ve already got four teams in NSW.

“If I was the Phoenix owners and I saw them turning around and offering me four years, that to me says that they believe that in four years they will have the wherewithal to manufacture a club in Sydney – or wherever else they want one – at the expense of the Phoenix”, Mr Cross said. “A fifth will maybe make one too many”.