Ignoring the concept of an 'amateur' ASBP winner and the fabrication about NZF putting money into the Phoenix you are right Trueblue.
The funding reasoning is spurious but the simple fact is the Phoenix are an Asian club side and should play in Asia. They should not compete in the O-League.
Just a minute Hard News, are you saying NZF has not put money into the Phoenix at any time? I understand Frank Van Hattum has admitted money was put into the club during liquidity problems in the Sereposis era but has declined to say how much. One claim I heard put it at in excess of $1 million over three seasons. If you know the facts please tell me. NZF is not elaborating.
Are you also saying that Team Wellington or Canterbury United or Youngheart Manawatu are not largely amateur clubs depending on sponsors? If you're going to point the finger solely at ACFC which is probably the best funded and supported then much of its income comes from winning the O League prizemoney. I hardly think the funding reasoning is spurious.
The reality is if the ASB Premiership lost the O League prizemoney is could not possibly be self-funding in its present form.