No idea Chopah. I just think that from an OFC stand point, knowing that they have a guaranteed play off spot against someone, they would do the team that qualifies a favour in wiping before the playoff. Being pressured by American Samoa has done no one any favours. Also when you look at Hogg, he has not been touched by Ricki since he got suspended (and oddly, both Phoenix and ACFC don't want him either) It has had a spin off effect although like you say, he had reached the limit.
ACFC dont want him ( Hogg ) because he could go searching for a pro club ......NONE of their other players ( Berlanga , Riera , etc ) would ever do this ....