I don't have a problem if a player goes off and sorts out $ sponsorship for themselves, or a team from a party outside of a certain club. If it is showing initiative then what is the issue? If $ transfers from Company A to Player/Team B and bypasses Club C completely then Club C can't be moaned at.
I would even imagine that if Club C is very big and successful, then a smart player/team will say to Company A that we are part of a successful team that may lead to large coverage for the company. Seems smart to me
What happens if NZ Government department (IR)D comes knocking on Company A's, Player/Team B's door and asks for an explanation of where this extra income has gone to/come from and has it been declared? I have very little knowledge of tax stuff, but what are the ramifications of receiving sponsorship or even expenses $ from either a company or a club (which is probably a company in itself). Do they have to be declared by a player as income? Would many players do this?
Not poo-pooing the idea, but could be a legitimate concern not only amateur football teams but probably the hundreds of 1st teams in rugby, netball, hockey etc across the country.