KEY POINTS:
Confirming YoungHeart Manawatu's future in the New Zealand Football Championship was no surprise. But in again hinting there could be changes in the make-up of future competitions, the national body has stirred up a can of worms.
Not long ago New Zealand Soccer chief executive Graham Seatter said "in all probability the number of teams for the next three seasons will remain at eight". This, based on a review committee report.
Further, Seatter said it was unlikely any more than one, or at the most two, of the prospective newcomers would be subject to an inspection or further scrutiny.
Now, NZS, after this week's board meeting, has asked all four candidates - Gisborne City, Manukau United, Auckland-Manukau United and Northern United FC - to make further presentations. The date of a final decision has been pushed out from November 30 to February 15.
Given the desire to ensure the NZFC, as decreed by the national body, gives the widest possible regional coverage, only Gisborne would meet that criteria. But, given the make-up of recent Gisborne teams which has involved flying in players, they can hardly be considered a serious contender. Gisborne, as a ninth team, would significantly push up costs.
There have long been strong hints a North Shore-based team is the most likely option. A third Auckland team would win few friends.
"It has to be eight," said Auckland City chairman Ivan Vuksich in hitting out at any suggestion of an increase. If Australia go with eight - and they have a much greater player depth - why would New Zealand Soccer even think about an increase?
"We need to get our teams as strong as possible, not dilute them. They would be mad to go past eight. Someone is just not thinking straight.
"The general consensus among the existing franchises is that eight teams playing four rounds is what is needed. To say that Auckland could easily support a third team is a joke.
"No New Zealand team will ever win the O League if teams are diluted to accommodate an extra team or teams. Graham Seatter is condemning all New Zealand teams to failure in future Oceania competitions if he gets any extra teams."
Of suggestions a development team - either an under-20 or younger - would be added, Vuksich said such a move would be "a joke" saying the NZFC would be distorted.
Seatter has suggested squads could be reduced from the present 24 to 18, with academy players providing back-up when needed.
Try telling that to clubs who pay up to $50,000 to play in the NZFC. Their only chance of recouping anything is to win the championship and go on to win the O League and, with it, the chance to play in Fifa's Club World Cup and a guaranteed US$1 million ($1.47 million) pay-day.
Otago United chairman Mark Chidley does not want a bar of any increase in the number of teams. But he is not holding his breath that there will not be change.
"As clubs we were given the message that, 'It's our league and we will do what we like', so we must expect there could be changes," said Chidley. "The original licenses stated it would be an eight-team competition. Regional teams like Manawatu and Otago will always struggle to get players. If a development team is put into the NZFC the player base for clubs like us will be even smaller."
