WaiBOP, while disappointed, have said that he'll go with their blessing, so they decided not to take the 28 day standout or transfer fee route as an option.
Seems like communication was severely lacking, most likely on Manko.
I think WaiBop are being too decent here, because they've been shafted.
If I recall correctly, this same Waitakere United made a huge song and dance about a rule technicality a few years ago regarding James Pritchett not playing for the AWs and turning out for ACFC instead. To their glee they had points deducted from ACFC by NZF, costing City the minor Premiership. Now it seems this same WU simply ignores the rulebook over nicking another team's player. Of course, this time, NZF does, err, absolutely nothing. Double standards anyone?