Auckland FC's Liam Gillion, who represented Auckland City FC in 2022 and 2023, in action during last weekend's A-League derby. Photo / Photosport
Auckland FC's Liam Gillion, who represented Auckland City FC in 2022 and 2023, in action during last weekend's A-League derby. Photo / Photosport
Auckland City FC’s squad for next year’s Fifa Club World Cup could be bolstered by a number of professional players – including some from Auckland FC.
The Oceania champions, who earned their spot at the new quadrennial tournament – based on their achievements in the region over the past four years – are the only amateur squad among the 32 clubs entered.
That was already a massive gulf, in terms of the resources, budget and playing experience, but became even more daunting after last Friday’s draw, which pitted them alongside European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Portuguese giant Benfica and South American powerhouse Boca Juniors.
It’s one of the toughest possible groups, exacerbated by the schedule, with three matches in 10 days, along with travel between Cincinnati, Orlando and Nashville.
While Auckland City FC have faith in their squad – many of whom have experienced multiple Fifa tournaments (the old-style Club World Cup) – there is a recognition that they will need to assemble the best possible roster to be competitive and lessen the threat of some heavy scorelines.
That led to the approach to Auckland FC, to discuss the possible loan players. That scenario is feasible since Fifa set up a new transfer window for the event between June 1-10 next year, ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 15. That allows players to theoretically move to a new team for the tournament, then return to their parent club.
It’s dependent on ratification from the respective national federation but it’s understood New Zealand Football has agreed to sanction the window, which would open the door for the move. It would be a positive step and provide an intangible boost for Auckland City, while not diluting the essence of their team.
“We approached Auckland FC with the idea,” Auckland City chairman Ivan Vuksich told the Herald. “There are a lot of details and specifics to be worked out but discussions have been positive. There is a good relationship there.”
Vuksich wouldn’t be drawn on the number of Auckland FC players that might be involved, saying that it was too early and also ultimately up to the management and coaching staff, but suggested that between “three and four” players would make sense.
New Zealand's Cameron Howieson. Photo / New Zealand Football
Midfielder Cameron Howieson would be a logical contender, as the long-time former Auckland City FC captain is a legend of the Kiwitea St club, having spent seven seasons there. Liam Gillion and Logan Rogerson are other obvious candidates, given their background with the Sandringham club but there will be plenty of other options.
Auckland FC chief executive Nick Becker confirmed he supported the potential initiative.
“I’d love to have up to five players go over and compete,” said Becker. “It’s a pretty amazing experience for them, it gives our players the opportunity to challenge themselves against the best and it is quite a unique way to work with Auckland City too.”
Becker added that coach Steve Corica and football director Terry McFlynn had been briefed on the idea and were open to it, given the timing. The A-League season finishes in May (the grand final is set down for May 31) and the next campaign doesn’t start until October.
“It’s at the end of the season and we have a long off-season,” said Becker. “So it would be feasible.”
Vuksich has yet to speak with any other professional clubs but had an “open mind”.
Other Auckland City alumni in the professional game include Central Coast Mariners captain Brian Kaltak, Wellington Phoenix fullback Tim Payne and Denmark-based All Whites Callum McCowatt and Dalton Wilkins, though their list of targets wouldn’t be limited to those who have previously worn the club crest.
There are financial considerations too. Auckland City FC would have to cover salaries, insurance and any share of appearance money for loan players. The Club World Cup prizemoney will be announced by Fifa in January.
There have been wildly fluctuating estimates on the size of the total pot but it is expected to be a massive sum, in the hundreds of millions. However, it’s understood that 60-70% of the prizemoney will be allocated to the 12 European clubs, to match the current huge rewards currently available in Uefa club competitions.
The rest of the monies will be divided between the remaining teams, on a sliding scale based on the size of the club and fanbase, along with the confederation they are involved in. Going on previous precedent, any sum will then need to be split between the competing team (Auckland City FC) and other clubs from the top tier of the local pyramid here.
Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns.
