All Whites striker Jeremy Brockie believes Football Federation Australia's (FFA) handling of his former club the Wellington Phoenix is like a "slap in the face".
The club have instead been offered the option of requesting a four-year licence until the end of the 2019/20 season.
Brockie, who spent three seasons with the Wellington club before signing for South African side SuperSport United, said he's worried for his former teammates and coaches.
"I feel gutted for all the players involved at the Phoenix, the coaching staff, all the fans and the owners of the club as well. [Welnix] have put a lot of hard work into the club over the last few years," Brockie told RadioLIVE.
"They want to be in line with all the other clubs, but to get told they can have four years and then there is no certain after that.
"Four years and then what, the club just disappears? Is it worth even taking those four years?"
The Phoenix's current A-League license expires at the end of the season, and Brockie said he's been monitoring the situation closely from abroad.
"I've been reading a lot and keeping an eye on it and there is a lot of support from all the other clubs in Australia and a lot of players who are playing in the A-League, too.
"Hopefully if that support can keep coming in then maybe it can convince the FFA that the Australian clubs and the players - and the fans who do travel to Wellington as well always have a good time – hopefully the can do their best to convince the FFA otherwise."
Brockie said he's worried about the mental state of the players with such an unclear future.
"If they are going to offer four years, they don't really have the Phoenix in the league long-term. It's sort of like 'here have four years while we sort some other teams out, then see you later', so it's definitely a slap in the face."
"Hopefully it doesn't affect the players short-term and they can keep performing well, but who knows where their heads are at. I'd be nervous if I was still a player there. The mind would definitely be wandering and trying to secure something long-term."
The 28-year-old added that his biggest concern will be the future of football in New Zealand if the Phoenix were to fold.
"If you lose a professional team from the A-League, then where else can you move a professional team into. We can't go and make a league out of Oceania, it's definitely a worrying sign, but hopefully there is people at New Zealand Football that are looking for back up options."
The Phoenix released a statement Tuesday morning saying they would seek clarity from the FFA before deciding whether to apply for the shorter-than-expected licence.
3 News/RadioLIVE