Durante: This could ruin football

Phoenix captain Andrew Durante. Photo / Getty

Captain Andrew Durante says football in New Zealand would be "destroyed" if the Wellington Phoenix were kicked out of the A-League.

The Football Federation Australia has said it doesn't think Wellington adds value to the league and instead wants a third Sydney team.

The FFA has offered the owners of the Phoenix a four-year licence extension -- their current licence runs out at the end of the season -- and owner the Welnix group has said it has little interest in continuing unless there is more certainty.

Welnix is seeking a 10-year extension but the FFA has kept it largely in the dark about what it would need to do to meet requirements.

New Zealand would struggle to get another professional team in the A-League if the Phoenix dropped out and there's even less chance of a pro competition cropping up here.

Durante, who has been at the Phoenix since 2008 and through some difficult times, admits it's a worrying time.

"It's unfathomable [to think the club could fold]," he said after training yesterday. "To see this club go under would be pretty shocking ... Up-and-coming and aspiring kids, even the younger players we have here at the Phoenix academy ... it would destroy football, in my opinion, if it was to go under. We are trying to remain positive. We believe we will be in it for at least four more years.

"I think it's pretty clear to see [we add a lot of value to the league]. We have a fantastic group of owners who are fully committed to developing football in this country and to the A-League. We are just as much a part of this league as the other teams and we are not going through any financial troubles.

"You look at other clubs who are folding or the FFA are having to prop them up. That's probably the most disappointing thing. We are not causing any issues in the league. We have a good group and are playing good football.

"Hopefully everyone around the country realises this could be the end and there are more bums on seats [for home games], and more members and everyone is doing everything they can. If it is the end, then at least everyone has given it their best go to make sure we stick around."

Wellington have received considerable support from both sides of the Tasman, including former and current players, media personalities and other codes like the Breakers. It has buoyed coach Ernie Merrick.

"For me personally, it's not a worry at all," he said. "I feel we will definitely be here for the long-term and I have no concerns."