New Zealand was seen as the best host option, but MIQ couldn't provide quarantine allowances for the competing teams (between eight and eleven).
Fiji and New Caledonia were the other options to stage the event, but neither appear feasible. Fiji is battling a major Covid crisis, which has put a considerable strain on the health system. New Caledonia is caught in a political impasse, yet to form a government from elections held in February.
It would also be a challenge for either Island nation to adhere to FIFA's strict international Covid match protocols.
Because of the situation, it's understood OFC are in negotiations with the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA and it's likely their proposal to hold a tournament in the Middle East will be approved by both organisations.
The second complicating factor is the timing. Eighteen days will be needed to stage the event in its current incarnation, with group play, semi finals and a final, with quarantine entry requirements on top of that.
There are 11 OFC member nations, though one proposal is for an eight team tournament, with the seven highest ranked nations and the winner of a separate playoff between the four lower ranked teams (American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands).
The tournament duration may yet change, dependant on how many countries ultimately enter the event, but regardless of length there will be a logistical issue for the All Whites, with their squad playing across the globe.
They'll need players released for a prolonged period, during their club seasons.
To solve this issue, the Herald understands OFC has made overtures to FIFA about classifying the World Cup qualifying event as an OFC Nations Cup.
Under FIFA statues, clubs must release players for each Confederation's pinnacle event (i.e. European Championships, Copa America, African Cup of Nations etc). Such tournaments are additional to the FIFA match windows each season, used for qualifying and friendly matches.
But it's unknown if FIFA will grant such a request, given the OFC Nations Cup is usually staged in June, the off seasons for most leagues.
There are also FIFA's new match regulations to consider, which state that clubs do not have to release players if five or more days of quarantine are required upon their return.
The proposed tournament in the Middle East will be a considerable logistical challenge, with the Island teams needing to transit in Auckland or Australia to link with flights to Asia.
If January proves too soon, OFC's only fallback option is March, though that is not optimal, as that window was designated to allow the Oceania representatives to play some preparation games, ahead of the Intercontinental playoffs next June.
If OFC is unable to stage a qualifying event, the organisation will nominate their representatives. Along with past performances, that's based on world rankings, which mean New Zealand (122) would get the nod, ahead of Solomon Islands (143), New Caledonia (157), Tahiti (161) and Fiji (163).
However nomination is the least preferred option and is seen as a last resort by OFC.
The final decision will be made at OFC's executive committee meeting in early September.
