Wellington Phoenix are considering a formal challenge after being excluded from the inaugural OFC Professional League, which begins in January 2026. General manager David Dome described the decision as “heartbreaking,” telling NewstalkZB that the club felt “kneecapped” after believing it was among the frontrunners to join the new competition.
Dome said the Phoenix have sought clarification from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) about why their application fell short during the selection process led by the Independent Club Licensing Committee. “We have made a few requests by phone calls, so I called OFC a few times to try to get to the bottom of it, of exactly how the Phoenix have missed out. It hasn’t been forthcoming,” he said.
The Phoenix have referred back to the licensing regulations and identified clauses allowing an appeal within 10 days of the decision. “That’s the plan,” Dome explained. “We have actually written to them to say we ask for more information, and that is essentially an appeal to get more information.”
Dome added that the club wants to sit down with OFC to review the reasoning behind the decision. Depending on the response, the Phoenix may escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or seek a judicial review. “We’re keeping our options open,” he said, stressing the need for transparency in the process.
The eight clubs chosen for the new league include Auckland FC and Christchurch United from New Zealand, alongside teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu and South Melbourne FC from Australia.
Why was Wellington Phoenix excluded from the OFC Professional League?
OFC has not provided a detailed explanation, but the club’s application scored lower than other candidates in the licensing process.
Can the Phoenix appeal the decision?
Yes. Under OFC regulations, clubs can lodge an appeal within 10 days. The Phoenix have already requested more information as a first step.
What legal avenues are available to the club?
Options include a direct appeal to OFC, a judicial review, or taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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