The goal should be all NZ teams to play as much as possible. But the fact is because the AWs failed to make Qatar and obtain the whopping $16.5M payday, NZF now need to watch their pennies somewhat over the next 4 years, re funding their international teams.
Main reason given by NZF for not trying to find AWs friendlies in Nov/Dec during the World Cup. Other factor being that the period is not an official FIFA window, so seems a grey area as to whether the clubs need to release non WC internationals. Though for example Italy who of course ain't going to Qatar will be playing 2 friendlies then.
NZF's senior & age group teams are primarily funded from the International Teams Fund (ITF). Yipe the Ferns get some HPSNZ funding (Olympics) and presumably some FIFA cash for making World Cups, but as with the age group teams alot of their costs are financed from that ITF - cash accumulated from the AWs (2010 WC & Mexico 2013 TV rights).
If the AWs play every window from March next year, up to the 2026 WC (incl games at home) as Pragnell has promised, then any agrument is moot. Lets see what happens.
Main reason given by NZF for not trying to find AWs friendlies in Nov/Dec during the World Cup. Other factor being that the period is not an official FIFA window, so seems a grey area as to whether the clubs need to release non WC internationals. Though for example Italy who of course ain't going to Qatar will be playing 2 friendlies then.
NZF's senior & age group teams are primarily funded from the International Teams Fund (ITF). Yipe the Ferns get some HPSNZ funding (Olympics) and presumably some FIFA cash for making World Cups, but as with the age group teams alot of their costs are financed from that ITF - cash accumulated from the AWs (2010 WC & Mexico 2013 TV rights).
If the AWs play every window from March next year, up to the 2026 WC (incl games at home) as Pragnell has promised, then any agrument is moot. Lets see what happens.