This whole scenario actually really spells out a bigger situation, regarding NZF and OFC...
NZF criticise OFC setup and decisions, especially in regards to PNG... OFC officials and Local Organisers none too impressed... potential eligibility loophole presents chance for NZF to be taken down a peg or two and lose a precious international tournament opportunity, with another (smaller) OFC member team benefitting ... NZF challenges, protests, maybe takes legal action, but ultimately come out of it angry, frustrated, maybe embarrassed and shown to have some administrative shortfalls... even if the decision is reversed and we play, win and qualify, there's still a sour taste... NZF makes more noise about wanting to leave OFC and join Asia... OFC know that they need NZ to keep their Confederation viable, but also know that FIFA statues are very clear that a country can only change Confederation if they have "exit consent" from the one they are currently members of... so if OFC have no intention of granting that, then NZF are stuck, with nowhere to go and no options for change... meaning NZF either have to take whatever OFC dish out, or not enter any competitions OFC administer - which is everything we want to be in...
So basically no matter what happens, NZ is stuck, with OFC increasingly disliking us and able to do whatever they like ...
Awesome