Phoenix's current licence, under the Club Participation Agreement, expires at the end of the current season and it is believed FFA is only willing to allow a four-year extension.
An FFA statement said that under the CPA, Phoenix has the option of requesting that FFA lodge an application to the relevant football authorities to seek approval of Phoenix’s participation in the A-League until the conclusion of the 2019/20 season.
FFA said that such an application is required in order to seek exemptions from various statutes of Football New Zealand, Oceania Football Confederation, Asian Football Confederation and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
The future of the Phoenix►Fozz believes time may be up for Wellington Phoenix FC in the Hyundai A-League as talk of a third Sydney-based club continue. Do you think Phoneix should stay? If not, where's the best location for the next A-league club?Click 'Learn More' for the The World Game show On Demand, including the Joeys' latest win, A-League Round 3 action and the weekend's action across Europe. Posted by SBS The World Game on Sunday, October 25, 2015
FFA CEO David Gallop said the board's decision was taken in the best interests of Australian football.
“FFA has carefully evaluated the role and contribution of the Wellington franchise in terms of game development, player pathway, commercial factors, broadcast rights and the long-term strategic outlook,” said Gallop.
“The application for a 10-year extension to the licence does not meet the requirements we see as fundamental to the future growth of the A-League.”
Phoenix's Welnix ownership group and the Phoenix board will consider the situation, after the club released the following statement:
"The Club will be seeking greater clarity around the reasons for rejection of the proposal and how the FFA is evaluating the Phoenix’s contribution to game development, player pathway, commercial factors, broadcast rights and the long-term success of the Hyundai A-League, to which the Phoenix is already making a material and positive contribution.
"The Club’s Welnix ownership group and Board will meet to consider the license extension option in the existing Club Participation Agreement and will continue to negotiate in good faith with the FFA.
