Double edged sword with this one.
On the one hand NZF will let go of the golden goose of what is seemingly be a very straightforward world cup qualifying path for the foreseeable future, as well as the financial windfall that comes with it.
On the other hand there are potentially more meaningful matches against better opponents on a regular basis.
A lot of people on here seem to be concentrating on the senior national sides as well, but arguably the age grade sides would probably the the biggest winners if something came of this. Annual world cup qualification for U16/17s going forward, and tougher qualification routes for U20s and even the OlyWhites. Not good news if you like qualifying for world cups by beating fiji 8-0, but in the long run it would prove beneficial by pitting our youngsters against quality opposition on a very regular basis.
It would also mean that should NZ sides win the A-League or the Australian Cup, then we'd theoretically be allowed to qualify for continental competition - Good news.
The news would probably not be as good for the new Oceania Pro League though, as I don't see the winners getting a free pass to the Club World Cup should the confederation borders ultimately change.
Lots to ponder.
On the one hand NZF will let go of the golden goose of what is seemingly be a very straightforward world cup qualifying path for the foreseeable future, as well as the financial windfall that comes with it.
On the other hand there are potentially more meaningful matches against better opponents on a regular basis.
A lot of people on here seem to be concentrating on the senior national sides as well, but arguably the age grade sides would probably the the biggest winners if something came of this. Annual world cup qualification for U16/17s going forward, and tougher qualification routes for U20s and even the OlyWhites. Not good news if you like qualifying for world cups by beating fiji 8-0, but in the long run it would prove beneficial by pitting our youngsters against quality opposition on a very regular basis.
It would also mean that should NZ sides win the A-League or the Australian Cup, then we'd theoretically be allowed to qualify for continental competition - Good news.
The news would probably not be as good for the new Oceania Pro League though, as I don't see the winners getting a free pass to the Club World Cup should the confederation borders ultimately change.
Lots to ponder.