The biggest thing that comes back to this all when everyone says 'Join AFC/jump in with AFC' is who is going to pay for it? A serious, objective point. Who is going to pay for this?
We can't fund our own national league and now we are talking about 4 extra away games (as well as the cost of bringing players home) as well as throwing the age group teams into the same basket? In what lifetime has anyone ever seen a magic money tree?
May I remind people that NZF run at a lost but paint it as a profit by drawing money from the 'International teams reserve' which is a fancy way of saying 'some cash we stored from the WC'. Also take into account they are drawing on that money even though ASB have a record sponsorship deal to the tune of $2.5m per year over 4 years. The numbers just do not stack up and those reserves will not be there forever and even less if we do not qualify. As it stands, NZF reduced their budgets across the board by 33% because of failure to qualify for the Confederations Cup but 'Oh we have never budgeted for or spent that money'.... Don't you bloody believe it.
I'll throw even more onto it. It was not in the best interests of NZF to step in to host the Nations Cup because it would have cost NZF $500k... Contrast that with having it here in 'our' conditions and winning the bloody thing, they might have gotten $1.3m for going leaving $800k left over (and a better build up to the home and away leg), its a damn sight better off than we are at the moment. Tell me how this is not good business sense? How would NOT back yourself?
If they are arguing over spending $500k for a tournament that would pay for itself in winning and leaving nearly a $800k left over, do you really think they are going to say 'yes please we'd gladly lump in the expenses for another round of games on the chances of not qualifying?' Go stand in the corner by yourself if you actually believe that.
Someone, please, tell me how this gets paid for when there is no money at the moment. I'd like to add that television rights, are a non event so lets not even throw that up. Ask AFC Champs league participants.