History for coochiee

At least 4 applications from NZ apparently.
Christchurch United have openly said they will.
You'd think Auckland City will.

Any other Northern Region clubs? Olympic? Napier City?

Read somewhere that a South Auckland based side with lots of Polynesian players could even be possible. Noting not all clubs will actually need a stadium (just a training ground) with the league being played in 5 hub locations.

Then who knows with Auckland FC and the Nix.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/auckland-fc/auckland-fc-and-wellington-phoenix-seek-spots-in-new-oceania-professional-league/PSUNSWHJ5BHRZNAOCHOR7727IE/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIgq0lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeaM-JYZ4EupmJGQx7QGC3LulI8sNHVMUnPFfNjMfO2tWpj5XnWjd2ydlQ_aem_x80KLWJ2ijM4Xe_D_swW1g

Twelve New Zealand clubs attended the latest workshop two weeks ago and OFC expect at least four applications from this country. It’s a rigorous process. Prospective teams have more than 150 documents to submit and are assessed across 40 different criteria, with the final decisions made by an independent panel. Competition licences, which will be valid for four years, will be issued to successful clubs in September.

The league will run a circuit series model, loosely based on rugby sevens. There will be rounds across five cities in the Pacific before semifinals and a final, with each team guaranteed a minimum of 17 games. Squads will have 20-23 players, with no more than six non-domestic players and a maximum of three from outside Oceania.

Castillo hopes the league can be a gamechanger for the region, offering pathways for players – particularly in the Islands – where previously there has been virtually none. He also expects national teams around the region to get stronger and compete with the All Whites for the new automatic qualifying spot into the Fifa World Cup.

It will also drive investment, both from governments and private backers. It’s understood there has already been interest from a European club – in a big footballing nation – in one of the new island clubs. It could also be complementary to a multi-club model.

The Pro League has been Castillo’s prized project since 2018, when the idea was conceived after discussions with OFC president Lambert Matlock. Castillo acknowledges the massive challenges – particularly around logistics, travel and lack of infrastructure - but is adamant it will work.

“We know the challenges,” Castillo said. “They are big in this region. Even New Zealand doesn’t have capacity to have a professional league. But we have no choice.