KEY POINTS:
No new team will be given the chance to play in the coming New Zealand Football Championship even if one or more of the incumbents opt out.
After a telephone conference call involving the chairmen of the eight NZFC franchises, New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum, his deputy Fred de Jong, chief executive Michael Glading and league manager Glyn Taylor, clubs were asked to indicate whether they would be "in or out" of this season's championship.
The 12-way discussion followed concerns expressed by some clubs - notably Waikato FC and Team Wellington - of their ability to meet the financial commitment to the fourth NZFC season scheduled to kick-off on November 8-9.
"We gave the clubs a deadline of midnight Wednesday to come back to us," said Glading.
"By Thursday morning we will know just where we stand and have a board meeting on Thursday afternoon. By Friday morning we will know exactly what the situation is.
"We discussed a number of options and there was a divergence of opinions but making any call is a bit difficult until we know who is in. At that point we will deal with what we have got."
It appears that if all eight clubs confirm their entry, the competition could be played over two, rather than three, rounds with a top-four home and away play-off to follow. If fewer clubs meet the entry criteria, the league could stay at three rounds.
Of the eight clubs, only Team Wellington and Otago United have not paid the $32,500 due as a half share of the $65,000 entry fee.
"For Otago, it is only a timing issue," said Glading. "They have assured us the money will be paid in November. Waikato FC are among those who have paid." Canterbury United, another franchise understood to be struggling, have paid their half share. The balance is due in December.
If clubs withdraw from the 2008-09 season, they will have to reapply and go into the mix with any other hopeful.
"It is not an option at this late stage to call for teams to fill any vacancies - should there be any," said Glading. "To bring in another team at this late stage would be seen as a sticking plaster operation."
Asked if he had any idea on how many teams would be ready to play on opening weekend, Glading said, "I'm a bit more confident about Waikato than I was. My gut feeling right now is that we will have eight ready to play. But maybe I'm being optimistic."
He said Team Wellington were due to meet their clubs last night.
"Perhaps an outcome from that might be the need to lower their sights a little [in terms of expenditure]. There now appears to be a reluctant acceptance by other clubs in lowering standards - that seems definite in the short term at least."
It has been suggested Waikato might play at Ngaruawahia's Centennial Park rather than the more costly Waikato Stadium. Mt Maunganui's Links Ave Reserve is another option.
Some clubs have questioned the $300,000-$400,000 figure being bandied about as the cost of a season in the NZFC, saying they have participated for, in some cases, considerably less.
Although the chairmen agreed not to comment yet, Waitakere's Rex Dawkins said that with the present NZF leadership the "game is in good hands and we will get the right outcome".
