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New Zealand's soccer future is in limbo after the sport's world governing body accused the Government of political interference.
The All Whites' qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was due to begin today against Fiji. But Fifa yesterday cancelled the game after New Zealand refused to allow the Fiji goalkeeper to enter the country with his team.
And plans to host future events in New Zealand are in jeopardy.
"Football is truly a global game and to have a match involving political interference sets a bad precedent," said Tai Nicholas, general secretary of the Oceania Football Confederation.
Fifa blamed the Government for the cancellation, saying it was "disappointed".
But Foreign Minister Winston Peters last night accused Fifa of an "unjust decision".
"Sporting bodies do not determine [immigration] policies," he said.
Graham Seatter, chief executive of New Zealand Football, said it would cost the organisation about $200,000.
But of greater concern was the impact on the sport. It could affect New Zealand's ability to host international matches and had put at risk the launch of the first Women's Under-17 World Cup due to be held here next year.
Simione Tamanisau, Fiji's goalkeeper, was denied a visa under travel sanctions New Zealand imposed after last December's military coup.
A man described as his father-in-law is in the armed forces, although Fiji soccer officials say the player is not yet married.
The cancelled fixture will be referred to the World Cup organising committee, which could reschedule it in a neutral country, or in NZ if the Government changes its position.
Mr Nicholas said Fifa considered the Government's move to be inconsistent with the worldwide practice of giving visas to sides whose only aim was to play in World Cup qualifiers.
But Mr Peters hit back, saying: "Entry to another country is a privilege, and all countries retain the right to exclude individuals in accordance with their immigration policy."
The minister said he had offered to explain directly to Fifa president Sepp Blatter, but he was unavailable.
The Government was looking at what assistance it could offer New Zealand Football, Mr Peters said.
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said the All Whites were disappointed about the cancellation but it would be business as usual for their next match in the Oceania qualifying series, against Fiji in Lautoka on Wednesday.
