KEY POINTS:
There will be no bending of the regulations governing the two-club rule for players in New Zealand soccer clubs and franchises.
Following Dean Gordon's switch from Auckland City to the New Zealand Knights (after having already played in the winter league for Albany United), clubs in New Zealand sought clarification of the rules. They stipulate that a player can be registered with three clubs but play for only two in a 12-month period (from July 1 each year).
New Zealand Football Championship manager Glyn Taylor wrote to Fifa - which imposed the rule - seeking its guidance and asking whether the rule pertained to only amateur players and that those moving to a professional club were free to move.
"Fifa's reply was very clear," said Taylor. "They did not differentiate between amateur and professionals, calling them simply players."
While not prepared to discuss individuals, Taylor said he had little sympathy for players or clubs who found themselves sidelined.
The recent case of young Sam Wilkinson also highlighted the rule.
Wilkinson, who played for Melville in the northern league last winter, followed his father, Roger, to Auckland City when he was appointed coach at the Kiwitea St-based club.
When Wilkinson and City parted company, Sam Wilkinson was told he, too, was no longer wanted. Under the "two club" rule, Wilkinson cannot play for any other NZFC club and unless he returns to play for Melville in the new [northern league] season he will be sidelined until July 1.
Any NZFC player who played for a regional league club after July 1 can only return to that club for the period up to July 1 next year.
"New Zealand Soccer have been banging on about this rule for 18 months," said Taylor. "We have been consistent in our interpretation and it is only when something like the Dean Gordon issue arises that questions are asked.
"We aren't going to be seen to be changing or bending the rules. If we did, we know we would be challenged and that, in line with Fifa's ruling, we wouldn't have any grounds to stand on.
"If a player did play [for a third club], neither New Zealand Soccer nor the player would lose out, only their club."
Taylor said it might not be such an issue next season with all NZFC clubs expected to hold all their players' registrations.
Players are now being forced to decide whether they want to play serious football in the NZFC - or continue to chase the silly money being offered by winter clubs.
It is understood a number of NZFC clubs are already planning to insist that, from next year, their players will be required from July 1 and will not be free to play in the winter leagues beyond that date.
In doing that, players could be denied the right to play in the Chatham Cup which could, in turn, lead to a change in those rules to allow NZFC clubs to enter the later rounds.
