Wellington Phoenix 10-year licence gets nod
Central Hawkes Bay Nix
and tragic follower of Charlton Athletic
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News Discussion and Football Blogging
Wellington Phoenix 10-year licence gets nod
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Central Hawkes Bay Nix
and tragic follower of Charlton Athletic
This may have already been posted somewhere:
Frankly, I am starting to get relieved. Just one more person needs to open his mouth on this...
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/3387084/Wellington-Phoenix-10-year-licence-gets-nod
Frankly, I am starting to get relieved. Just one more person needs to open his mouth on this...
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/3387084/Wellington-Phoenix-10-year-licence-gets-nod
The Phoenix have been granted a 10-year licence extension to play in the A-League � provided they get the all-clear from world governing body Fifa.
At the start of another big week for the Phoenix � Sunday's do-or-die playoff against Newcastle at Westpac Stadium is close to a sellout � The Dominion Post can reveal the news football fans and the Phoenix have been desperate to hear.
Football Federation Australia has granted the long-term extension the club was seeking, though it is not across the line yet. The decision must be ratified by Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation. However, the FFA's show of support is crucial.
"The licence has been granted by us, yes, but it is subject to approval," an FFA spokesman confirmed last night.
"Talks are continuing between us and the two governing bodies around the future of Wellington Phoenix. They will continue to go on until we get a resolution."
The Phoenix are one of four teams remaining in the premiership race, adding on-field performance to off-field stability.
And they have also been lining the FFA's pockets. The 24,278-strong crowd that watched the Phoenix-Glory playoff in Wellington last Sunday netted about $600,000 for the FFA, which takes all proceeds from finals matches, while a sellout this Sunday could see the Aussies claim a further $1 million.
"The Wellington Phoenix have been a wonderful addition to the A-League and they've been a great story this season. They've brought the finals series alive," the spokesman said.
"As far as the FFA is concerned, we want to have them included in the A-League for as long as possible."
FFA officials have been negotiating the club's future for several months, with AFC president Mohammad Bin Hammam going on the record several times saying he wants the Phoenix kicked out of the A-League because they are based in Oceania, not Asia.
There are other examples of cross-confederation play, however. This year a French team has been allowed into the Singapore league while the Malaysian Olympic team will play half the season in the Slovakian second division.
Securing the Phoenix's future is a priority for FFA, and it believes it has a good case. Fifa will have the final say and has been sympathetic to the Phoenix's plight in the past, given New Zealand has no professional league of its own. A final decision could take some time.
Meanwhile, Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert has called for New Zealand Football to do everything possible to ensure the club has a reserve team ready for the next New Zealand Football Championship seasonto push the issue of a reserve team with Fifa, to ensure young Kiwis were not forced to go overseas to play professionally.
A prime example is New Zealand age-group star Costa Barbarouses, who after three seasons with the Phoenix has signed for Brisbane because of a lack of game time."I can't help but feel extremely disappointed that, internally, we're not doing anything as far as an invitation of a second team into the NZFC," Herbert said. "I just think it's incredibly disappointing that we have a player like Costa who has to leave our shores because we can't play him anywhere.
"That's just wrong, in anybody's mind. It's wrong. What's the point of me signing young New Zealand players?"
Central Hawkes Bay Nix
and tragic follower of Charlton Athletic
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Hmm. Looks like it's a fair way off being done and dusted to me. As far as I can see the FFA are basically saying 'Yes, we'll give them an extension, but it's not up to us"
"....The decision must be ratified by Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation. However, the FFA's show of support is crucial.
"The licence has been granted by us, yes, but it is subject to approval," an FFA spokesman confirmed last night.
"Talks are continuing between us and the two governing bodies around the future of Wellington Phoenix. They will continue to go on until we get a resolution....."
Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.
"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003
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This is only the first step, and probably the easiest. We still need AFC and FIFA approval. A step in the right direction, but a small step only
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I have taken the liberty of copying Dairyflats posting on this subject outlining the type of people who hold our destiny in their hands. (Lengthy but well worth the read).
Definitely a wait and see approach required.
FFA had to make the statement they have in the light of the Phoenix contribution. They have sponsors, administrators and the future of the A League to consider
<!-- Start Member Post -->
Definitely a wait and see approach required.
FFA had to make the statement they have in the light of the Phoenix contribution. They have sponsors, administrators and the future of the A League to consider
<!-- Start Member Post -->
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/blog.php?b=7616
Two months later, at an extraordinary Congress called by the Somalia Association, two officials admitted they that they had taken a $10,000 bribe to forge a letter taking Addo�s vote away from him. One of them, Hassan Ali, a vice-president of the Somalia Federation, signed a statement to the effect that he took the money in return for allocating Somalia�s vote to Sepp Blatter.
The money was handed to him by Mohamed Bin Hammam
It was said at the time that bin Hammam had funnelled $US 5 million for Blatters' election, a claim he vehemently denied, saying that it was only about $50,000 (as if there was some acceptable level of bribery) but he does admit to paying Hasan to forge the letter.
<!-- End Member Post -->
Two months later, at an extraordinary Congress called by the Somalia Association, two officials admitted they that they had taken a $10,000 bribe to forge a letter taking Addo�s vote away from him. One of them, Hassan Ali, a vice-president of the Somalia Federation, signed a statement to the effect that he took the money in return for allocating Somalia�s vote to Sepp Blatter.
The money was handed to him by Mohamed Bin Hammam
It was said at the time that bin Hammam had funnelled $US 5 million for Blatters' election, a claim he vehemently denied, saying that it was only about $50,000 (as if there was some acceptable level of bribery) but he does admit to paying Hasan to forge the letter.
We're Forever Causing Trouble
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As long as we ca' canny, get the FIFA approval before the AFC, very unlikely MBH will shot down Sepp Blatters approval.
Although I don't think he'll concede entirely - look forward to getting another 10 year A-League licence, but never getting to play ACL games.
Although I don't think he'll concede entirely - look forward to getting another 10 year A-League licence, but never getting to play ACL games.
When Hibs, went up, to win the Scottish Cup - I wisnae there - furfuxake!
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As long as we ca' canny, get the FIFA approval before the AFC, very unlikely MBH will shot down Sepp Blatters approval.
Although I don't think he'll concede entirely - look forward to getting another 10 year A-League licence, but never getting to play ACL games.
Although I don't think he'll concede entirely - look forward to getting another 10 year A-League licence, but never getting to play ACL games.
I can live with that
ive got a song that wont take long, Adelaide are rubbish.. the second verse is same as the first.. ADELAIDE ARE RUBBISH
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This is why the Phioenix should be allowed to play in the A-Leauge, and ACL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etoile_FC
'nuf said.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etoile_FC
'nuf said.
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This is why the Phioenix should be allowed to play in the A-Leauge, and ACL
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etoile_FC
'nuf said.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etoile_FC
'nuf said.
Do they get to compete in the ACL if they win the S.League?
When Hibs, went up, to win the Scottish Cup - I wisnae there - furfuxake!
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Hope all goes well
Socceroo/ Mariner / Whangarei
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This doesn't even qualify as news. It only tells us what we already knew - that the FFA want us in the A-League but the AFC still has a problem with it.
The issue has always been about what trade-offs the FFA will be prepared to make in order to keep the AFC sweet, and this story doesn't say anything about that. In fact, they deliberately keep the door open to renege later with the excuse "sorry, we'd love to have you but the AFC won't agree on terms we can all accept".
This is just an attempt by the FFA to dampen down the issue before Sunday's game. Don't be fooled, nothing's really changed and there is still a long way to go before our future is 100% secure.
No comment from the Phoenix in the story either, which is telling. A bit disappointing to see Fred Woodcock even writing this rubbish up, although the desire to break a so-called "exclusive" is understandable I guess.
The plans for chants and banners should stay in place if you ask me. I'm certainly not changing my signature yet.
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YES. Here is actually an awesome article someone wrote about double starndards, how they can but we can't. Yet.
http://www.espnstar.com/opinion/bloggers/blog/archive/archived-blogs/item381810/
Pardon me for asking, but just how is it that Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam can have conniptions about Wellington Phoenix being in the A-League, even threaten to take away Australia's Asian Champions League spots unless the New Zealand club becoming an "Australian entity", yet not say boo when a French team joins the S-League?
In case you missed it, Etoile FC has joined the 12-team Singaporean competition, made up entirely of French players. Names attached to the project include David Ginola and Lucien Mettomo.
.
.
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Yet Wellington Phoenix, a club with eight Australians (ie, Asians) on its books, is considered a dangerous intruder in the AFC by Hammam, and he has given the North Island side until 2011 to "re-register themselves in Australia as an Australian club under the law of Australia", in so doing being limited to employing just three New Zealanders (ie, Oceanians) as "foreign" players (they presently have nine in their squad), or be expelled from the A-League.
Read the link for more. Not sure if other people have heard about this. Pretty crap. Should be the key arguing point for the Nix board and the FFA.
http://www.espnstar.com/opinion/bloggers/blog/archive/archived-blogs/item381810/
Pardon me for asking, but just how is it that Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam can have conniptions about Wellington Phoenix being in the A-League, even threaten to take away Australia's Asian Champions League spots unless the New Zealand club becoming an "Australian entity", yet not say boo when a French team joins the S-League?
In case you missed it, Etoile FC has joined the 12-team Singaporean competition, made up entirely of French players. Names attached to the project include David Ginola and Lucien Mettomo.
.
.
.
Yet Wellington Phoenix, a club with eight Australians (ie, Asians) on its books, is considered a dangerous intruder in the AFC by Hammam, and he has given the North Island side until 2011 to "re-register themselves in Australia as an Australian club under the law of Australia", in so doing being limited to employing just three New Zealanders (ie, Oceanians) as "foreign" players (they presently have nine in their squad), or be expelled from the A-League.
Read the link for more. Not sure if other people have heard about this. Pretty crap. Should be the key arguing point for the Nix board and the FFA.
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Its a good start, hopefully FIFA continues to back us.
As for the ACL, I would be happy for us to compete with NZ players counting as Overseas players as a compromise with the AFC if needed.
As for the ACL, I would be happy for us to compete with NZ players counting as Overseas players as a compromise with the AFC if needed.
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Good news, but we always knew that FFA needed us so the approval of the AFC is what will be the hardest.
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I agree, excellent start. But that is it, I am only starting to get relieved. But it would appear that the FFA's intentions with our wonderful club are clear - they want us, even though we always knew that. Now for the bigger fish.
Central Hawkes Bay Nix
and tragic follower of Charlton Athletic
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Couldn't FFA just change their rules and say all teams can have as many NZers as they want. It would actually be fairer for all clubs.
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Or just merge OFC with AFC and fix the fiasco entirely. Our WC chances would dramatically reduce but then I don't think you can get much scarcer than two appearances in 28 years anyway, wouldn't be much different from the days Australia was part of the OFC.
We'll obviously never repair the bias bin Hamman has with NZ after the Bahrain upset but that's his problem.
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FFA could (and it was that way prior to them joining AFC) but that would cause problems for Asian Champions League - AFC sets the rules for squads for that, and the rule is 4 foreign + 1 Asian. So that would mean that Champions League squads may need to be different to A League squads - not realistic.
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Of course the FFA want us if we can give them 24,000+ and full house crowds.
I am hoping that these crowds would remain when we get back here next year - once the world cup hangover has faded. These results and the ability for the 'nix to attract these huge crowds can not be ignored - hence this from the FFA...
I am hoping that these crowds would remain when we get back here next year - once the world cup hangover has faded. These results and the ability for the 'nix to attract these huge crowds can not be ignored - hence this from the FFA...
Central Hawkes Bay Nix
and tragic follower of Charlton Athletic
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What hasn't been said should be considered.
AFC qualification.
Youth squad status.
Status of New Zealand players.
Squad composition.
I think there are some deep setted issues that need to be tabled and may need FIFAs direction to bring about change.
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Alright boys, devil's advocacy time.
1. A lot of you are right when you say there is much to sort through. FFA have effectively washed their hands of the decision making here. If FIFA or the AFC say no, the FFA will say "well it was subject to them as well". It's a handball if ever I've seen one.
2. Also, on that French-backed team in Singapore, it's French owned but BASED in Singapore. It doesn't play any games in France. Same for that Malaysian backed team in Slovakia (or Slovenia), it plays its game entirely in that country, not in Malaysia.
Just thought I'd throw that in. Carry on.
1. A lot of you are right when you say there is much to sort through. FFA have effectively washed their hands of the decision making here. If FIFA or the AFC say no, the FFA will say "well it was subject to them as well". It's a handball if ever I've seen one.
2. Also, on that French-backed team in Singapore, it's French owned but BASED in Singapore. It doesn't play any games in France. Same for that Malaysian backed team in Slovakia (or Slovenia), it plays its game entirely in that country, not in Malaysia.
Just thought I'd throw that in. Carry on.
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first step completed - FFA approved 10 yr more
step 2 and 3 to go, needs Asian and FIFA approval.......fingers crossed....
Queenslander 3x a year.
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What you have to mention is that what is important in the Asian region is not what is practical and logical, but appearances and saving face.
This clearly throws the ball in the AFC's court, and I don't think the FFA would so publicly throw the ball at this point if it was going to force the AFC to say a very public 'no'. What I am hoping is that they are giving Bin Hannam the opportunity to say a very public 'yes' and make himself appear the good guy.
This clearly throws the ball in the AFC's court, and I don't think the FFA would so publicly throw the ball at this point if it was going to force the AFC to say a very public 'no'. What I am hoping is that they are giving Bin Hannam the opportunity to say a very public 'yes' and make himself appear the good guy.
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What you have to mention is that what is important in the Asian region is not what is practical and logical, but appearances and saving face.
This clearly throws the ball in the AFC's court, and I don't think the FFA would so publicly throw the ball at this point if it was going to force the AFC to say a very public 'no'. What I am hoping is that they are giving Bin Hannam the opportunity to say a very public 'yes' and make himself appear the good guy.
This clearly throws the ball in the AFC's court, and I don't think the FFA would so publicly throw the ball at this point if it was going to force the AFC to say a very public 'no'. What I am hoping is that they are giving Bin Hannam the opportunity to say a very public 'yes' and make himself appear the good guy.
Just a quick comments boys, no major Australain websites are running with this story at present.
Theory for you: did Fred Woodcock release the story as a distraction after that story yesterday about the 'arrogant' Aussies?
Just a thought.
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Actually re-reading the article, as far as I can tell the only source might be Fred Woodcock phoning the FFA, and there might not have been anything said by the FFA publicly?
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Actually re-reading the article, as far as I can tell the only source might be Fred Woodcock phoning the FFA, and there might not have been anything said by the FFA publicly?
I must say, some (very) brief searching for reliable corroborating sauces on this have proved rather hard to find...
But it's in the Dompost. Fairfax wouldn't lie to us. Thanks Fred
Central Hawkes Bay Nix
and tragic follower of Charlton Athletic
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Has this been posted elsewhere?
Tony P putting the dampers on the 10 year licence being done and dusted.
"Phoenix till they lose"
Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.
Genuine opinion: FTFFA
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FFA could (and it was that way prior to them joining AFC) but that would cause problems for Asian Champions League - AFC sets the rules for squads for that, and the rule is 4 foreign + 1 Asian. So that would mean that Champions League squads may need to be different to A League squads - not realistic.
Depends on how they set it up - if the (for argument's sake, 25 member) squads have to be named before the ACL, then yes, there's a problem.
However, if the quotas only apply to the matchday squad of 15, or 18 or what ever, then it's possible.
If my Thai skills are accurate, I believe that the Thai league is allowing about 5 foreigners in club squads, but abiding by the 3+1 rule for AFC Cup matches.
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Has this been posted elsewhere?
�
Tony P putting the dampers on the 10 year licence being done and dusted.
No he is saying the same thing FFA gave a tick and still waiting on FIFA & AFC.
As I have often posted before you biggest supporter is Frank Lowy as long as he is in charge everything that can be done will be done.
Frank gave his word to help NZ and he sees a team in the A-League as keeping his word.... FL may be many things the hardest of hard business person ... but even those that don't like him will say if you can get him to give you his word ... he will stand by what he agreed..
This is one more reason to admire the Nix's management they also understand this and are not trying to create in the NZ media an anti FFA thing ... hats off it must be tempting...
Socceroo/ Mariner / Whangarei
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