Soccer: New format to keep eight teams, shorten season

NZF chief executive Michael Glading

All eight teams will compete in the New Zealand Football Championship this season with a new format introduced to help those with money troubles.

NZF today announced league play would be shortened from three rounds to two. Playoffs which previously involved only the top three teams will now be contested by the top four teams via home and away semifinals followed by one grand final.

NZF chief executive Michael Glading said the new format ensured no teams would have to be dropped from the competition.

"The current economic environment along with a reduction in trust funding has hit some franchises more than others, but all of them have worked together with NZF to find the best possible solution for this season."

NZF said options for the season had been discussed with franchise heads at length over the past fortnight.

Franchises were given until midnight on Wednesday to confirm they were on board and offer feedback on NZF's proposal.

The NZF board met yesterday and ratified the new format.

Glading said the shorter season and introduction of semifinals should make for an exciting competition, hopefully boosting interest .

"The home and away format complete with away goals rule adds an extra dimension and marketability to the business end of the season."

Selection of the two New Zealand teams granted O-League qualification will be done in the same way as last year with the winner of the round-robin securing one spot and the overall winner the second.

If one team tops round robin play and wins the grand final the second spot goes to the runner-up.

The draw for this season will now have to be revised but play is still expected to run from November 8 until the final on April 4.

- NZPA