FFA Chair Frank Lowy Says Phoenix Needs Rebrand To Remain In A-League

Football Federation Australia Chair Frank Lowy said that Wellington Phoenix needs "a rebrand" to keep its A-League tenure intact, according to the AAP. The Phoenix's stay in the competition "is not assured past this season," with the club and FFA negotiating terms over a four-year extension to their license agreement. Lowy, who met with Phoenix Chair Rob Morrison in Sydney on Monday, said that "one of two key conditions is to bring more money into the league." The other is a rebrand "which could see the club called the New Zealand Phoenix from next year." Lowy: "For them to be of value to Australia they need to represent the whole of New Zealand and not just a city." The 85-year-old, who gives up the FFA chairmanship next week, said that "discussions with Morrison were cordial." He insisted the club would need to bring in more revenue from "broadcasting or themselves" to extend their A-League stay to a 10th season (AAP, 11/10).