I dont get it, is this about player welfare (1 less game, less travel)? or is it purely the big clubs in Europe demanding that they have lose their players for less time? Either way this decision benefits noone! The nations lose home game money, the fans lose our of a home and away challenge and instead they get to watch their team play at a neutral venue with no fans that actually care about the game. Insane! With this kind of ruling we will never get to see the full AW's team play n NZ, at least not against any quality teams.
I'm guessing it's all driven by some fear at FIFA, that Covid could return with a vengence again to some parts of the world like Sth America next Southern Hempisphere winter, with borders shut again come June 2022. Then suddenly you have a serious match programming issues leading into Qatar.
But it's a real kick in the teeth to Kiwi football fans, and a big blow to NZF re losing out on TV rights and a full gate at either the ROF or Eden Park.
But doubt countries in other Confeds will care too much about losing gate receipts from a home tie. They are already playing extensive WC qualifying campaigns with regular home games. Though CONEMBOL teams especially will know that they'll lose a big edge by not having 1 home playoff game, in front of a hostile home crowd.
But potential advantage to the AFC playoff team if these playoff games are played in Qatar. Esp for a Middle Eastern team like Oman, UAE etc.
If AWs do somehow qualify for Qatar, NZF should move heaven & earth to stage 1-2 games in NZ, before they leave for the World Cup. A 2 game series in Wgtn & Auckland against the Socceroos would be one idea.