Two days after denying it a 10-year license extension, Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop has "heaped more pressure on Wellington Phoenix," declaring that its owners have been guilty of "squatting" on an A-League license, according to Sebastian Hassett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Many inside the game "believe the denial is the FFA's first step towards removing the New Zealand-based team, although head office hasn't ruled out granting a new four-year licence." The backlash against FFA "has been significant but Gallop seized the moment to publicly call into question the Phoenix's future and challenge them to do better." Gallop said, "We're ambitious for the growth of the A-League. You can't expect to squat on a license in our competition. If you want longevity in the competition you need to produce results. That's part of the message that's been sent with the decision to reject the 10-year license. We've welcomed a dialogue with Welnix, the Phoenix's owners, but on any metric they're not performing at a level we would like for the growth of the competition." Gallop made it clear that plans were "already well advanced in terms of identifying where a new club could be placed, restating his preference for teams in major cities" (SMH, 10/28). The AAP reported Gallop named crowds, TV ratings and membership "as the crucial metrics," while acknowledging the club's on-field contribution "was irrelevant to the decision." His comments come as Phoenix captain Andrew Durante said that New Zealand football "could be destroyed" if the Wellington club is "given the boot." Durante said, "It’s unfathomable. To see this club go under would be pretty shocking for the kids of New Zealand, footballers, up-and-coming aspiring kids, even the younger players we have here at the Phoenix through the academies. It would destroy football in my opinion if the club was to go under." Durante said that the FFA's decision "was both annoying and frustrating," particularly given the good condition the club had maintained since the current Welnix group took over ownership in '11. Durante: "We're not going through any financial troubles. You look around at the other clubs who are folding, who the FFA are having to prop up" (AAP, 10/28).
WAR OF WORDS: In Sydney, Tom Smithies wrote plans for a third A-League team in Sydney have "ignited a war of words" between FFA and the two existing clubs, with FFA warned it would be "breaking categorical assurances" if Wellington Phoenix were replaced by a team in south Sydney. The chairs of Sydney FC and the Wanderers both said that they had previously been assured a new club was "not on the agenda," with Sky Blues Chair Scott Barlow calling on Gallop to "rule it out immediately." The "furious reaction" came after Wellington was told on Monday that its application for a new 10-year license had been rejected. Barlow warned that doing so would "cut our market in half," while Wanderers Owner Paul Lederer said, "The city isn't ready for three teams." Barlow: "I'm surprised and disappointed that David Gallop hasn't yet come out to refute these rumors, having assured all the A-League chairmen that new A-League licenses are not on the agenda" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 10/28).
