OFC Professional League

coochiee

Some truth in all of the above except is no guarantee Nix or AFC reserve teams will win the OFC Pro League.

That's noting the OFC League is running Jan-May, so completely overlapping the ALM (usually finishes late May).

Limited opportunity for the two NZ ALM clubs to stack their reserve teams with ALM pros. Especially with the OFC League to be played in far flung destinations like Honiara, Suva, Port Moresby, Port Vila, Papeete etc, for 2 week hubs. You will need to keep at least 20 of your first team squad around NZ & Australia for ALM games.

Also some of the Island club franchise teams could in effect be de facto OFC national teams. So I think far from a given the 2 NZ ALM clubs would dominate the OFC League.

I do agree with this but think if the carrot on the line (FIFA Club World Cup) is as big as it appears to be, that Knights and Phoenix will pull out the stops to make sure they are at the top. 

But yes, everything you've said demonstrates why it shouldn't be these two clubs. What's wrong with Christchurch United?

Further, what about the young players of both clubs?

Right now the Nix reserves and to a lesser extent Auckland reserves are very young, inconsistent sides whose main aim is to develop footballers for the first team, and they don't win anything. Is it the right move for that development to shift to a must-win setting and like others said in hot conditions on poor quality pitches across the OFC? 

Pluses & minuses. 
Regular travel and heat prepares them for the summer A League.
A Port Vila goat track for Suncorp.

Lets not forget CWC qualification, whilst yes a huge financial carrot, will only be 4 yearly. 

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is annual, and presumably OFC's representative will also come from the new Pro League, but not sure how much cash comes with qualification for that compared to the CWC.

LT01

Further, what about the young players of both clubs?

Right now the Nix reserves and to a lesser extent Auckland reserves are very young, inconsistent sides whose main aim is to develop footballers for the first team, and they don't win anything. Is it the right move for that development to shift to a must-win setting and like others said in hot conditions on poor quality pitches across the OFC? 

Wasn't it Gilly or Dome on the YF podcast recently saying that the club would have to quite drastically alter their setup if they were to be involved in the this Oceania league? 

Don't remember exactly who it was, but there has been mention of it. I still can't get my head around it all, as we'd have to sign another 15-20 up as professional deals to make it work. How it would work in with the current Central League and National League setups is anyone's guess as well.

For the Phoenix, I personally think its a case of us chasing Auckland's enthusiasm to be involved in this competition - ie we can't be seen to not want to be apart of it, and Auckland of course have the resources to make it happen. Albeit both clubs will likely be handicapped to U21-23's + a discretionary visa players or two. 

Why not Christchurch and the Auckland Ak City/Central bid?

AucklandPhoenix

I would normally agree, but the Christchurch bid leaves such a gaping hole on so many fronts.

Honestly I would prefer NZ only has one team and that is Christchurch.

Then all resources can be put towards that so it is a genuine 3rd professional team. 

There's lots of FIFA money coming to this league and the orders may have come from above. 

The big question for me is how do AFC and the Phoenix plan to make home games a compelling match day experience? Attracting crowds, sponsors, media interest beyond the curiosity that there will be at the start. Will they play games on turf with rugby markings in front of no one? 

Reserve teams just have no buzz, in football, ever, in the world.

If Christchurch United don't get into the league they immediately need to start looking for support and partners regarding an A-League bid.

reg22

The big question for me is how do AFC and the Phoenix plan to make home games a compelling match day experience? Attracting crowds, sponsors, media interest beyond the curiosity that there will be at the start. Will they play games on turf with rugby markings in front of no one? 

Reserve teams just have no buzz, in football, ever, in the world.

Agree but remember this 4-5 month comp is being played in hubs with all the teams travelling to a single destination for 2 weeks to play. It maybe that if it is Phoenix II they never play a game in Welly

There would definitely be a hub in Auckland, but maybe never one in Wellington 

LT01

If Christchurch United don't get into the league they immediately need to start looking for support and partners regarding an A-League bid.

I’d really hope so. But football loving billionaires don’t grow on trees. The excitement around the new shiny stadium once it opens might help flush one out.

I have a feeling this league will be a one and done deal. I could see a Pasifika league working, but this Oceania comp feels very piecemeal with no name Australian teams and B-Grade NZ sides. 

I'd still watch, mind you....

On the import front there seems to be a lot of nations who take this competition seriously so there could be a bunch of good import players who couldn’t get selected by Boca etc looking for glory another way…

Maybe there will be a special window just for AFC and the Nix to move players between the two leagues or one after to return players to the A league? 

The relationship between the two will be an odd one.

Well that's disappointing to hear. TBH I wouldn't have minded one of them getting in as long as Christchurch United got in. Then we'd have 3 professional clubs with both the main islands covered.

Personally I’d prefer AFC and CHC as my two teams. I think it would be too much for the Nix.

Marto

Personally I’d prefer AFC and CHC as my two teams. I think it would be too much for the Nix.

Very worried this will happen. It would destroy competitive balance in NZs A-League clubs tbh.

LT01

Marto

Personally I’d prefer AFC and CHC as my two teams. I think it would be too much for the Nix.

Very worried this will happen. It would destroy competitive balance in NZs A-League clubs tbh.

Yeah I think it really needs to be both or neither of the Nix and AFC. 

Personally I'm leaning towards neither at the moment, I'd enjoy seeing Chch Utd and the Auckland conglomerate bid in the new league, gives the country more pro teams and potentially could do a preseason tournament between NZ's 4 pro teams.

But yeah, putting 1 A-League team in and not the other could make for a very unbalanced rivalry if one team is getting Fifa money every 4 years

100% agree it shouldnt be the Nix or AFC. Not AFC because they could become too large and powerful and end up sucking the resources out of the rest of the country. Not the Nix because I believe they are already spread too thin with all their ventures. Its better to do a couple of things well than lots of stuff poorly. 
I hope Christchurch United makes it. They are doing some good stuff down there and the SI needs a pro club to follow.

Can see the argument for neither NZ Aleague club, would be great if other non professional teams could get a chance to upsize, but then if say Auck City is one of them then they become even bigger and will continue to dominate the very small pool they are in - assuming they are allowed to continue playing in a non-professional league.

AFC and the Nix make the most sense, would just be a matter of having the players available to play in whatever windows selected - might be a stretch for their players currently but the additional funding would help with sustainability.

It will be crazy to see how this works in practice.

I expect neither team really has the foggiest if they will benefit but doing nothing and potentially missing out on any benefits, isn’t worth the risk especially if your major competition is rolling the dice. 

I guess one advantage is by carrying two squads that along with young players to be competitive the A league teams will need to also pick up the best of the best domestic players.

Therefore those who don’t follow the typical academy youth system will have a chance to shine with the AFC,s and the Nix’s of this world. This will hopefully force the Nix into having a good long hard look at these players.

How the cross over between squads works however will be logistically challenging. I mean last season for example I guess you would have popped Scott Galloway completely in the OFC league. 

I expect neither team really has the foggiest if they will benefit but doing nothing and potentially missing out on any benefits, isn’t worth the risk especially if your major competition is rolling the dice.

Hmm, this sounds familiar...

theprof

Can see the argument for neither NZ Aleague club, would be great if other non professional teams could get a chance to upsize, but then if say Auck City is one of them then they become even bigger and will continue to dominate the very small pool they are in - assuming they are allowed to continue playing in a non-professional league.

AFC and the Nix make the most sense, would just be a matter of having the players available to play in whatever windows selected - might be a stretch for their players currently but the additional funding would help with sustainability.

Auckland City have already ruled themselves out of entering the OFC League. As Doloras has stated they would likely lose their Trillian Trust gravy train if they were in a pro league. Ivan Vuksich is 'consulting' on some type of Auckland club conglomeration bid.

Read somewhere OFC/FIFA are throwing $10M at this new league, so I guess that gives AFC & the Nix some surety they shouldn't lose too much money participating. Thought with it effectively being a 4-5 mth travelling roadshow with hubs, they will get virtually no gate revenue. Hard to see much major sponsor interest either. 

The Australian club that enters may tap into some useful Aus Aid funding, being perceived as a Pacific football diplomacy venture.

Pity we can't have all 3. 

Nix and AFC limited to u21/23s and CHC the best that they can afford to sign.

Marto

Pity we can't have all 3. 

Nix and AFC limited to u21/23s and CHC the best that they can afford to sign.

You wouldn't totally rule that out from happening, if OFC struggle to get enough bids from the Pacific nations that look financially strong enough. Though the $10M FIFA cash bankroll, would seem to make that less of an issue.

coochiee

Marto

Pity we can't have all 3. 

Nix and AFC limited to u21/23s and CHC the best that they can afford to sign.

You wouldn't totally rule that out from happening, if OFC struggle to get enough bids from the Pacific nations that look financially strong enough. Though the $10M FIFA cash bankroll, would seem to make that less of an issue.

I don't see it being a problem being the Nix and AFC - If I look at it with the widest lens I can I bet FIFA are not that impressed with having an Amateur team at their CWC and the O-League is supposed to solve that, but they are also probably thinking we need the best possible team from Oceania so that's gonna be an existing Pro team not a team who are pro for a short season of Rugby seven's style series of games. 

I wouldn't put it past FIFA to have told the O-League organising committee to make sure the two NZ pro teams need to be involved.

From a NZ perspective having a pathway to the CWC for one of our two pro teams is a positive from a player showcase point of view, player recruitment and probably the biggest one from a financial point of view.

Lastly if this does happen and with the revamped regional leagues concept still being worked on I would like to see if Nix or AFC have teams in the NZ club pyramid that they are not saved from relegation since they shouldn't need it as much if they have the O-League vehicle as well.

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.

Going to be incredibly controversial here, but other than the CWC money why do we need to be part of this?

Would prefer no teams. Keep the ALM teams in the ALM and keep our domestic talent on the domestic scene. Splitting our football clubs across 3 different league structures is ridiculous.

Would personally prefer any investment to go towards grass roots and the football community across the country, generating domestic interest and all that.

Nix & AFC Reserve sides??

Skyzaid

Going to be incredibly controversial here, but other than the CWC money why do we need to be part of this?

Would prefer no teams. Keep the ALM teams in the ALM and keep our domestic talent on the domestic scene. Splitting our football clubs across 3 different league structures is ridiculous.

Would personally prefer any investment to go towards grass roots and the football community across the country, generating domestic interest and all that.

Firstly, having any NZ teams involved is massive, for keeping the OFC pro league relevant and for whatever NZ clubs get in.
Secondly, whatever money is derived from the comp will help immensely with running costs for both NZ ALM teams.
Finally, NZF, who invest in grass roots footy have nothing to do with the ALM teams so none of their money is being spread anywhere. Assuming the Nix and AFC get some kind of reserve team in this league then its likely they'll move one or other reserve side out of their local comp and keep the money they make to fund their academies

I hope ChCh United get in, so there is pro football in the South Island. 
The All Whites haven't played in the Mainland for eons. The Nix have only just returned for a game there after years away.

But whoever the 2 NZ teams are it just provides another pro football pathway. There are young guys on the NZ domestic scene good enough to get a crack at pro football, but it's not easy when you are at the bottom of the world soooo far away from Europe, can't get the right visa/passport etc etc. 

The advent of Auckland FC has certainly opened up another pathway, but the more opportunities the better for local talent. There are other Corban Pipers out there, who can surprise and make the step up.

NZ still has a small player base of less than a 100 guys in pro environments. Any chance to expand that should be taken up.

If Chch were one of the teams, then who else do you add?

theprof

If Chch were one of the teams, then who else do you add?

Auckland Conglomeration FC.

Auckland City haven't made a bid to enter the OFC Pro League, but their chairman Ivan Vuksich has been advising to a 'conglomeration' of Auckland clubs.

Presumably this grouping of clubs (some sort of new franchise setup?) is the 4th NZ bid that has made it to the final phase when 13 will be whittled down to the 8 clubs accepted. Auckland FC, Phoenix, ChCh United & Auckland Conglomeration FC

https://www.oceaniafootball.com/13-clubs-now-in-contention-to-be-part-of-the-inaugural-ofc-professional-league/

From the 24 clubs who expressed interest in being part of the OFC Professional League due to start in January 2026, OFC can confirm that 13 will continue to the Club Licensing phase.

There are 11 clubs from six OFC Member Associations including four from New Zealand, two from Fiji, two from Papua New Guinea, one each from Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu, with the other two clubs from Australia.

The 13 clubs will be reduced to eight for the 2026 competition. There will be a maximum of two entries from a single OFC Member Association and one from Australia.

Auckland FC, Wellington Phoenix, Christchurch United and the Auckland conglomerate are the four NZ bids left.

100% agree with Coochie here

All Whites last played in Christchurch on 16 October 2012 against Tahiti which was a 3 - 0 win.

coochiee

I hope ChCh United get in, so there is pro football in the South Island. 
The All Whites haven't played in the Mainland for eons. The Nix have only just returned for a game there after years away.

But whoever the 2 NZ teams are it just provides another pro football pathway. There are young guys on the NZ domestic scene good enough to get a crack at pro football, but it's not easy when you are at the bottom of the world soooo far away from Europe, can't get the right visa/passport etc etc. 

The advent of Auckland FC has certainly opened up another pathway, but the more opportunities the better for local talent. There are other Corban Pipers out there, who can surprise and make the step up.

NZ still has a small player base of less than a 100 guys in pro environments. Any chance to expand that should be taken up.

The shocking admission is no New Caledonian bid. They are a Oceania powerhouse. I guess the political situation there is currently too unstable.
Looking at that list I dont think any nation bidding will be left out so the final 8 will be teams from NZ 2, Fiji, PNG, Solomons, Tahiti, Vanuatu and Australia.
The million dollar question will be if they want A League clubs involved?
Some Oceania officials have said they want this comp to be as competive as possible. They certainly wouldnt want a powerful club like AFC winning every year.
I wouldnt be surprised if AFC and the Nix dont make the cut

coochiee

theprof

Can see the argument for neither NZ Aleague club, would be great if other non professional teams could get a chance to upsize, but then if say Auck City is one of them then they become even bigger and will continue to dominate the very small pool they are in - assuming they are allowed to continue playing in a non-professional league.

AFC and the Nix make the most sense, would just be a matter of having the players available to play in whatever windows selected - might be a stretch for their players currently but the additional funding would help with sustainability.

Auckland City have already ruled themselves out of entering the OFC League. As Doloras has stated they would likely lose their Trillian Trust gravy train if they were in a pro league. Ivan Vuksich is 'consulting' on some type of Auckland club conglomeration bid.

Read somewhere OFC/FIFA are throwing $10M at this new league, so I guess that gives AFC & the Nix some surety they shouldn't lose too much money participating. Thought with it effectively being a 4-5 mth travelling roadshow with hubs, they will get virtually no gate revenue. Hard to see much major sponsor interest either. 

The Australian club that enters may tap into some useful Aus Aid funding, being perceived as a Pacific football diplomacy venture.

Probably some tourism boards/resorts and so on likely to benefit from exposure? 

Best case scenario might be for FIFA to give AFC some money to let the two NZ clubs qualify through Asia and then have different NZ clubs for the OPL. 

coochiee

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.

 
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!

austin111

The shocking admission is no New Caledonian bid. They are a Oceania powerhouse. I guess the political situation there is currently too unstable.
Looking at that list I dont think any nation bidding will be left out so the final 8 will be teams from NZ 2, Fiji, PNG, Solomons, Tahiti, Vanuatu and Australia.
The million dollar question will be if they want A League clubs involved?
Some Oceania officials have said they want this comp to be as competive as possible. They certainly wouldnt want a powerful club like AFC winning every year.
I wouldnt be surprised if AFC and the Nix dont make the cut

A young guy from NC makes my coffee most mornings at a local cafe.
The way he tells it New Caledonia just ain't safe at the moment. Him, his girlfriend another friend have all moved away as the unrest has screwed the NC economy.

Most of their better players are in the French lower leagues anyway. But hopefully one day it settles down and they can also set up a team.