There are signs that suggest New Zealand Football (NZF) may have admitted defeat over Deklan Wynne's eligibility route.
In its latest statement following Oceania Football Confederation's (OFC) ruling which saw the NZ Men's under 23 team disqualified from their Olympic Qualifying tournament in Papua New Guinea, NZF confirmed it had lodged its appeal of the decision on grounds that included "the process undertaken by the OFC, and the rules applied in reaching its decision". The statement made no specific mention of Wynne or the basis upon which he was deemed ineligible.
OFC said Wynne was ineligible because he had not met the criteria associated with article 7 of the regulations governing the application of the FIFA Statues, which relates to the acquisition of a new nationality. NZF argued South African-born Wynne was eligible to represent New Zealand through article 6, which relates to players who are able to represent more than one association.
In recent weeks, evidence has mounted which suggests New Zealand Football got it wrong. Former NZF competitions manager Glyn Taylor told 3 News the organisation had previously tried - and failed - to secure South African-born Ryan De Vries' eligibility through article 6. A NZF press release in 2011 even detailed De Vries was ineligible because he had not fulfilled the five year residency requirements associated with article 7.
3 News asked whether NZF maintained its belief Wynne was eligible via article 6.1(D), but NZF declined the opportunity to reaffirm its position, saying "with the appeal process currently underway, we will not be making further comment until that process is completed."
In another sign NZ Football may have changed its view, CEO Andy Martin also said they have obtained information from FIFA about the process to apply for exemptions for the small number of players that are potentially affected (by OFC's ruling). Exemptions are sought and granted in relation to article 7.
OFC says it is yet to finalise details regarding when and where the appeal will be heard.
3 News