There is hope for the Wellington Phoenix.
The public outcry, the #SaveTheNix campaign, the players’ tweets, but most importantly the owners’ comments have forced FFA Chairman Frank Lowy to hit back.
Earlier this week, Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow slammed the FFA’s decision to decline the Phoenix a ten year license. That was partly because he believed the Phoenix are a stable club that deserve their place in the league, but more importantly because he was concerned by the likelihood that a third Sydney club would replace the Phoenix if they folded. It’s understood Barlow was fuming, he was worried that a club based in South Sydney would dilute the market for his own club, and question marks were placed over his commitment to the club if that happened.
It seems Barlow’s words have forced Lowy out of hiding. Lowy released a statement in response to Barlow’s comments, saying “no decision has been made about replacing Phoenix should that club no longer be part of the A-League.”
There’s no way Lowy issues this statement if Barlow remains quiet. The FFA chief is running scared, he couldn’t anticipate his decision on the Phoenix would cause this level of condemnation.
Now, two sides are forming, pro-Phoenix and anti-Phoenix. The numbers are stacking up on the pro side, and there are powerful people too. In a strange, roundabout way, the Phoenix have worked themselves into a position of strength. They have big, powerful numbers on their side, and with the FFA now genuinely concerned by the reaction their decision has caused, there’s no rush for the Welnix owners to pull out or settle for the four year license they’ve been told they can apply for – and would likely get.
Why not wait? Let this play out, with numbers behind them they are in a stronger negotiating position than they were before the FFA’s decision. There is now huge momentum behind the Phoenix’s bid to stay in the league, and Lowy’s statement shows the FFA are worried. If the Phoenix wait, who knows? Potentially the FFA is forced to buckle under the immense pressure from the game’s investors and the Phoenix get what they want.
Either way, the magnitude of the back lash from Monday’s decision has been widespread, now there’s confirmation it’s been felt at FFA HQ.
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