Well the licence use to be part owned by NZF however it was purchased outright by Terry S. When the FFA went into bat for the Nix's to get excepted into the ACL, The AFC gave its verdict AKA Nix's had to move/be in Australia and have Kiwis as imports. The AFC see it as a NZ club playing in the A-League Not as a A-League club based in NZ.
When the AFC reviewed the Asian Champions League it clearly stated the A-League is a 9 team compatition.
I believe former NZF CEO Mr Seatter knew the AFC would not accept the Nix's and it's why he had the agreement signed between them and the ASB prem sides. This agreement was also signed off on by the OFC.
Lets just hope things work out this time for the good of the game, And give hope to other NZ clubs wanting to join the A-League.