Southwest Sydney "could have an A-League presence next season," with Wellington Phoenix "on the verge of selling a large stake to a local consortium," according to David Davutovic of the HERALD SUN. A Memorandum of Understanding was agreed between the two parties, with a view to selling a 50% stake "immediately." Football Federation Australia execs were presented on Friday with the "audacious plan" by Phoenix and southwest officials -- "a hybrid model that would effectively become a third Sydney club, making for potentially two more box-office derbies with Western Sydney and Sydney FC." FFA CEO David Gallop confirmed that "they were considering the proposal," although it is believed that they were seeking a "considerable, separate transaction" (license fee) be paid. Gallop said, "I can confirm that we met with Wellington and Southwest representatives. I can't tell you the specifics because that's confidential. But it's another proposal we're looking at at the moment. It needs to be considered in the context of the commercial imperatives around the expansion of the league, which are to ensure that there is an investment that benefits not only the new club but the A-League, its current owners and the broader game." Phoenix would retain its current home strip for the games that remain in New Zealand "under a hybrid model." Southwest Sydney Bid Dir Gino Marra refused to comment. However, it is believed that Marra traveled to New Zealand last week to negotiate the terms of the "merger" with Phoenix Chair Rob Morrison (HERALD SUN, 5/11).
NOT FOR SALE: The AAP reported the Wellington Phoenix said that it is "in discussion with potential club partners" but reaffirmed its A-League license is not for sale. In a written statement, the club admitted to talking to "parties interested in participating in the expansion of the A-League." It did not deny it had been "involved in reported merger proposal talks with a consortium from southwestern Sydney." The statement read, "The owners have consistently maintained that they are open to external investors who could bring capital and players to the club as well as providing professional development pathways for the players from New Zealand. Although there are currently potential options that are worth exploring ... the Phoenix will not conduct any of those discussions via the media" (AAP, 5/12).
