Soccer: NZF sticks by pay-to-play plan

New Zealand Football has stood by its stance requiring age-group players to pay for the right to represent their country at World Cups, but the amount of money needed has been reduced.

While NZF said in a statement it believed it was fair to seek a personal contribution to each two-year cycle, it conceded the policy was implemented too late for those representing New Zealand at this year's under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Since the players and their families do not have as much time as future age-group sides to plan for the expense, those in the under-17 team will have to contribute $1000 instead of the originally-intended $2000.

The contribution asked of squad members is put towards the cost of the entire two-year campaign not simply attendance at the respective World Cup. NZF said it was preferable than alternative options, including reducing the level of activity for each campaign or placing the entire cost of the campaign on the wider football community.

Since 2006, New Zealand have qualified to compete in 14 Fifa under-17 or under-20 World Cups, arguably more equivalent events than any other major team sport in this country.

The exposure has undoubtedly helped New Zealand improve at senior level. This is borne out in improved results over the eight Fifa events at senior and/or Olympic level New Zealand have featured in since 2007.

Each of those age group campaigns has a budget in the region of $250,000 over the two year cycle to cover domestic camps, qualifying campaigns, additional international experience, training sessions and related staff and logistical costs.

Costs for competing at the respective World Cups including flights and accommodation are covered by Fifa but this is not included in the NZF budget outlined above. None of these events have prize money attached for qualifying.