In the Antipodes, the performance of Wellington Phoenix has surprised many, and led to a greater interest in the game in New Zealand. But many seem to have forgotten a key point; that Australia is now playing under the care and management of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Australia’s move to the AFC has seen football develop in many ways. A New Zealand based team, either the now defunct NZ Knights or the current Wellington Phoenix, have come along for the ride of Australian football’s professional redevelopment via the A-League.
With New Zealand making the 2010 World Cup, and the Wellington Phoenix making headway in the A-League, has the ultimate irony come from New Zealand, in that it can be seen to be able to look after its own football needs? If you read some media reports, it appears that AFC President Mohammad Bin Hamman is of this view.
Mr Bin Hamman has been vocal of Wellington’s involvement in the A-League, and if Wellington continues to do well, they technically could be eligible for the Asian Champions League, something which would clearly not please Bin Hamman.
So my question is, will the success of the Wellington Phoenix, and the New Zealand national team itself, be its greatest downfall internationally? Will others, particularly within Asian football circles, see New Zealand’s success as a chance to say, “If you’re good enough, you can look after yourself now?”
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