Don't think there's really any need for the Nix admin to be so up in arms. For all we know this cohld be a flash in the pan. Wait it out and observe on the sidelines and If the circuit model goes all good for a couple of seasons and it ends up being a bit more of a solid fruitful endeavor than initial assumptions would suggest, theres no reason why Nix cant have another crack if they opened the door to expansion to 10 teams down the line. For the meantime its probably better Nix dont spread their resources to thin and spend their focus getting their senior mens and women's side back to being a strong force. Revisit this one again if the opportunity presents itself in a couple of years.
Yipe if the league is a success, even after the FIFA hand outs cease, then hopefully there is some expansion down the track.
Like would be great if New Caledonia gets through this period of civil unrest and got a team. And at the same time maybe the Nix could enter. Hopefully also it goes into a proper H&A (no hubs) comp.
Again one of the NZ teams had to be somewhere in Auckland. Just makes sense on so many levels. And if it's true the alternative Auckland bid, 'club conglomeration FC' that had Ivan Vukish as an adviser withdrew - well it had to last bid standing in AFC II.
Oh and Slava Meyn ain't a billionaire. Not even close I'm guessing. I'd be very surprised if Rob Morrison didn't have a bigger balance sheet. Meyn's made it clear for example he can't afford to setup and run a A League club. Think I read his Russian (mostly in the Far East) businesses have taken a big hit with Putin's war in Ukraine.