Soccer: Canterbury quits NZFC

Canterbury United has quit the national soccer league, citing financial concerns.

The club's chairman Craig Rhodes told the Press newspaper the club, which had finished bottom of the eight-team league in the past two seasons, was not prepared to raise the $250,000 needed to take part this year.

Rhodes said the board "can see no value in entering a team this year", when there was "little prospect of improving when our budget is even further eroded by the current economic climate".

He said he would be "surprised if other franchises don't follow us" in defecting from the NZFC.

"We're just the first to put our hands up. It's a tougher decision to step out than it is to stay in."

NZF chief executive Michael Glading told Radio Sport today he expected this year's national championship to go ahead despite the loss of Christchurch.

"I believe we will get at least six teams and if we get down to that we will play an extra round.

"The NZF is prepared to put its hand in the pocket and keep this league alive because we believe it is important and we are totally committed to it."

NZF would be writing to teams to confirm their entry "within the next 10 days".

- NZPA