Was it Merrick who as Nix coach, had a bit of rant at NZF when Weemac and others returned from a window in Europe, cattle class?
I think nations that qualify for the next WWC in 2027 will get the same huge FIFA payout, that nations get when their teams qualify for a mens WC.
If true NZF's International Teams Fund should get a double big boost over the next 2-3 years. No economy class for any senior players (mens or womens) after that you'd hope.
Actually was thinking the other day, that just quietly Pragnell won't want the next 4 AWs OFC games (this window & next March) to blow out to double figure scorelines. The Samoa mismatch yes, but the other 3 games he will want to be tighter.
Though sure alot of AWs fans, want to see us in AFC, with regular exciting big games at home (like the Socceroos hosting Saudi today in Melbourne) - NZF will be eagerly looking forward to next March and the $14M payday that comes with WC qualification. But they won't want all blowout scorelines to March, and FIFA reconsidering OFC getting an automatic WC spot in the future. An almost guaranteed $14M payday (or $28M if the Ferns get same) every 4 years - cash strapped NZF won't want that compromised. You can't blame them for that. $14M or $28M, gives you a big big platform to grow the game off. Without it, it's back to the beggars table.
I think nations that qualify for the next WWC in 2027 will get the same huge FIFA payout, that nations get when their teams qualify for a mens WC.
If true NZF's International Teams Fund should get a double big boost over the next 2-3 years. No economy class for any senior players (mens or womens) after that you'd hope.
Actually was thinking the other day, that just quietly Pragnell won't want the next 4 AWs OFC games (this window & next March) to blow out to double figure scorelines. The Samoa mismatch yes, but the other 3 games he will want to be tighter.
Though sure alot of AWs fans, want to see us in AFC, with regular exciting big games at home (like the Socceroos hosting Saudi today in Melbourne) - NZF will be eagerly looking forward to next March and the $14M payday that comes with WC qualification. But they won't want all blowout scorelines to March, and FIFA reconsidering OFC getting an automatic WC spot in the future. An almost guaranteed $14M payday (or $28M if the Ferns get same) every 4 years - cash strapped NZF won't want that compromised. You can't blame them for that. $14M or $28M, gives you a big big platform to grow the game off. Without it, it's back to the beggars table.