New Caledonia loves football, and it's fairly well resourced there - if they've withdrawn then you know the reason is serious.
Given what's been going on over there lately, we probably should have anticipated this at some point to be honest.
Doesn't make it any less disappointing, but that's the way of the world at the moment isn't it. Chaos and uncertainty to the fore.
The country is basically under martial law at the moment. Large parts of the country no longer under govt control. Close to 10 people dead maybe, and it’s not a big place. Expats very scared if still there. Widespread looting and property destruction. Economy basically frozen until order is restored. Food shortages with the supply chain completely broken
So yes you can imagine very difficult to organise a competitive football team at the moment