Again would be no guarantee Auckland II or Phoenix II would win the OFC Pro League. The pathway to a 4 yearly CWC for either of NZ's ALM clubs far from locked in.
Will be a 100% overlap with the ALM (Jan-May), and there would likely be restrictions on the number of ALM senior pro contracted players in the reserve team match day squads etc. That's what happens with most reserve teams playing in other world leagues. Reserve teams generally don't win the leagues they play in. Bayern II when Singh was there a few years back being one notable exception, getting the Liga 3 title.
Then you have playing regularly in the heat & humidity of the Islands. Auckland City have often had to grind out a result when playing there. Honiara is a bloody tough place to play football. Plus I can see some of the OFC franchise teams being de facto national teams.
And lastly there is also going to be an Australian club involved. That could just become a stacked franchise full of the best NPL players/A League discards. Though whether the Aussie club being in a country in AFC, is eligible to be OFC's representative at a CWC?? Possibly not.
Will be a 100% overlap with the ALM (Jan-May), and there would likely be restrictions on the number of ALM senior pro contracted players in the reserve team match day squads etc. That's what happens with most reserve teams playing in other world leagues. Reserve teams generally don't win the leagues they play in. Bayern II when Singh was there a few years back being one notable exception, getting the Liga 3 title.
Then you have playing regularly in the heat & humidity of the Islands. Auckland City have often had to grind out a result when playing there. Honiara is a bloody tough place to play football. Plus I can see some of the OFC franchise teams being de facto national teams.
And lastly there is also going to be an Australian club involved. That could just become a stacked franchise full of the best NPL players/A League discards. Though whether the Aussie club being in a country in AFC, is eligible to be OFC's representative at a CWC?? Possibly not.
De facto national teams, plus imports who are now eyeing the exposure and potential cash of the CWC.
We don’t know how it might work, but build it and they could come on down!