Yeah I mentioned earlier this new league might suit the Nix and AFC for their reserve teams. But only if FIFA was basically financing the whole thing.
But read the new league is due to kick off Jan 2026. So assuming pre season starts about Nov this year, you get a better alignment with the ALM, than the current winter Central League/spring National League setup for the Weenix. It would almost take you back to the Handy Prem days, when senior guys returning from injury or needing game time, would drop down and play a game for the Weenix in January or February.
Another attraction is you would get your Academy guys conditioned to flying for away games every 2nd weekend, just like the ALM.
And the best one, possible qualification for the CWC or annual Intercontinental Cup, if yes the winner of this OFC league, is to be OFC's club at those FIFA events. That's if ALM reserve teams would be eligible to go as OFC's representative to this FIFA tourneys.
Negatives.
The football is going to be of a questionable standard on those bumpy Island pitches in the heat. Does that help young player development.
And does the new league itself want ALM reserve teams in it, who will realistically struggle to draw much of a crowd for their home games in Auckland or Welly. That like all reserve teams in any league in the world. Generally no one turns up to watch them, excpt real club diehard tragics. Not a great look for this new league a game at Fraser Park in front of 200.
You'd think if proper National League clubs like Auckland City, Olympic or ChCh United entered this new league they would get decent enough crowds.
Any thought of the Nix or AFC leaving the A League proper (ie their senior squads), for this new OFC league you just can't see happening. Sure it's not ideal playing in a league in a different Confed (AFC), but it would be a huge backwards step, for the code the two clubs jumping ship into OFC. Especially for the women's game which is so weak in OFC. I'm sure it's not seriously being considered. Just the idea of maybe entering their reserve teams, esp if yes FIFA funds it all, and there is a possibility of qualifying for those big world club events.
But read the new league is due to kick off Jan 2026. So assuming pre season starts about Nov this year, you get a better alignment with the ALM, than the current winter Central League/spring National League setup for the Weenix. It would almost take you back to the Handy Prem days, when senior guys returning from injury or needing game time, would drop down and play a game for the Weenix in January or February.
Another attraction is you would get your Academy guys conditioned to flying for away games every 2nd weekend, just like the ALM.
And the best one, possible qualification for the CWC or annual Intercontinental Cup, if yes the winner of this OFC league, is to be OFC's club at those FIFA events. That's if ALM reserve teams would be eligible to go as OFC's representative to this FIFA tourneys.
Negatives.
The football is going to be of a questionable standard on those bumpy Island pitches in the heat. Does that help young player development.
And does the new league itself want ALM reserve teams in it, who will realistically struggle to draw much of a crowd for their home games in Auckland or Welly. That like all reserve teams in any league in the world. Generally no one turns up to watch them, excpt real club diehard tragics. Not a great look for this new league a game at Fraser Park in front of 200.
You'd think if proper National League clubs like Auckland City, Olympic or ChCh United entered this new league they would get decent enough crowds.
Any thought of the Nix or AFC leaving the A League proper (ie their senior squads), for this new OFC league you just can't see happening. Sure it's not ideal playing in a league in a different Confed (AFC), but it would be a huge backwards step, for the code the two clubs jumping ship into OFC. Especially for the women's game which is so weak in OFC. I'm sure it's not seriously being considered. Just the idea of maybe entering their reserve teams, esp if yes FIFA funds it all, and there is a possibility of qualifying for those big world club events.