Wellington Phoenix Threaten Lawsuit After Missing FIFA Club World Cup Chance
After being snubbed for A-League Men rivals Auckland FC and a surprise inclusion, Christchurch United, Wellington Phoenix have expressed their displeasure with their exclusion from the 2019 Oceania Pro League and have pledged to take legal action.
The Pro League, which will be the first-ever professional football league in the Oceania region, is slated to begin play in January 2026. Additionally, the Pro League will have eight clubs fighting against one another in a circuit series structure, which will be held all across the Pacific.
Participants in the Pro League will have the opportunity to compete on the international stage and win prize money worth millions of dollars. Additionally, the Pro League will serve as Oceania's qualifying tournament for the lucrative FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in 2029.
On Friday afternoon, the Phoenix were notified that their request had failed following what the OFC characterised as a "thorough" club licensing process. The Phoenix were one of four New Zealand clubs that were competing for two seats in the competition.
New Zealand will be represented by two teams: Christchurch United, which has won the Chatham Cup seven times, and Auckland FC, which is the champion of the A-League Men's division. This will be the first time that the South Island has ever had a professional football team.
At this year's Club World Cup, Auckland City competed and achieved a famous 1-1 tie with Boca Juniors. However, the club did not submit its application for consideration for the Pro League.
The Pro League, which will be the first-ever professional football league in the Oceania region, is slated to begin play in January 2026. Additionally, the Pro League will have eight clubs fighting against one another in a circuit series structure, which will be held all across the Pacific.
Participants in the Pro League will have the opportunity to compete on the international stage and win prize money worth millions of dollars. Additionally, the Pro League will serve as Oceania's qualifying tournament for the lucrative FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in 2029.
On Friday afternoon, the Phoenix were notified that their request had failed following what the OFC characterised as a "thorough" club licensing process. The Phoenix were one of four New Zealand clubs that were competing for two seats in the competition.
New Zealand will be represented by two teams: Christchurch United, which has won the Chatham Cup seven times, and Auckland FC, which is the champion of the A-League Men's division. This will be the first time that the South Island has ever had a professional football team.
At this year's Club World Cup, Auckland City competed and achieved a famous 1-1 tie with Boca Juniors. However, the club did not submit its application for consideration for the Pro League.