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SYDNEY - New Zealand's bid is still regarded as the first cab off the rank in the chase for the last of the eight spots in the next A-League soccer season but the clock is ticking.
Following a meeting here yesterday between New Zealand Soccer's chairman John Morris, its chief executive Graham Seatter and Football Federation Australia's chief executive Ben Buckley and operations head Matt Carroll both parties agreed the door is still open.
But unless NZS come up with concrete evidence supporting the bid, backed by an acceptable sub-licensee in the next 24-48 hours, that door could be slammed shut.
"NZS are due to come back to us on Thursday with final figures and the information we want," said Carroll. "There are obviously different issues in dealing with a national body but they now have a specific participation agreement setting that out.
Of suggestions they were now backing a Townsville bid, Carroll said they had not had any discussions with them.
Seatter said: "The meeting gave us the chance to explore a 'best case, worst case' scenario. We can now digest everything and be ready for a big day on Thursday.
"The good news is that we now have a comprehensive document from the Wellington bidders and we know the Auckland bid is continuing to progress."
Morris said he remained "cautiously optimistic" and that independently appointed auditors must now work through the bids and sort out the rhetoric from the substance.
"The big thing is the FFA is still very keen to see us succeed."
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert is awaiting the outcome with interest. In the meantime he welcomed yesterday's news the All Whites will play Wales at Wrexham on May 26.
"We are also hoping for other games in Europe in June 2 and 6 which will follow those we are already playing against Costa Rica and Venezuela in March," Herbert said here yesterday.
He expects to name a 20-player squad for next month's games on March 6 or 7 and a 25-strong World Cup squad possibly after the European tour.
