Soccer: Licence no guarantee for Kingz

SYDNEY - The two-year licence held by Auckland's Football Kingz will not protect their position in the National Soccer League next year if they do not meet strict criteria to be introduced this month.

The Kingz play their first game in the NSL in three weeks to kick off the 1999-2000 competition. But it could be their last season if the new franchise runs into financial problems or draws disappointing home crowds.

NSL general manager Stefan Kamasz said all clubs would soon be advised of more stringent off-field standards needed to be eligible for the 2000-2001 season as Soccer Australia tries to strengthen the league.

The criteria will relate to financial viability, crowd sizes and player development.

Kamasz said that despite the Kingz being granted a two-year licence, they would come under just as much scrutiny as the 16 Australian clubs.

However, after assurances from Kingz officials, he was confident the Auckland franchise would be strong enough to continue into a second season.

"They were aware there would be an increase before they joined this season.

"I would envisage that on the basis that they do what they say they're going to do there shouldn't be a problem," he said.

The NSL has increased from 15 to 17 teams this year with the introduction of Auckland and the Parramatta Power.

Kamasz hoped his league would not need to undergo any messy culling process like that inflicted on the National Rugby League this season as it tries to reduce from 17 to 14 teams.

"People will assume that because of our increased benchmarks, not all of the existing teams will be able to reach those marks. They think the league will have to be a reduced number," he said.

"Well that may well not be the case. We're hoping the clubs can protect their own positions and only get stronger."

Assuming the Kingz survived their second season, Kamasz was under the impression they could continue to hold a position in the NSL. - NZPA