Wellington Phoenix players celebrate an A-League goal, but their participation in the competition now appears limited

The future of the Wellington Phoenix appears bleak after the franchise had its bid for a 10-year A-League licence extension rejected.

A statement released byFootball Federation Australia on Monday said its board would not grant an extension to their current licence that expires at the end of the current season.

That puts a massive shadow of doubt over the future of the club, with claims recently across the Tasman that the FFA want to cut ties with the NZ franchise.

GETTY IMAGES Coach Ernie Merrick of the Phoenix took the team to the A-League finals last year.

Under the Club Participation Agreement (CPA), the 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 end of the 2019/20 season.

The nine other A-League clubs have licences that run until 2034. FFA chief executive David Gallop said the board 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 Hyundai A-League."

A media release from the Wellington-based organisation said the Welnix ownership group and Phoenix board "will consider the situation in due course and no further comment will be made at this time".

Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said he was "only interested in on-field matters". Asked whether this news would impact the players' performance, he said "not at all".

Last week Phoenix general manager David Dome said he was confident of being granted the 10-year extension as talk of another Sydney club replacing Wellington grew across the Tasman.

"Given the amount of investment that's required to run a professional sports club, any less than 10 years [isn't sufficient]. You need a decent tenure to make that worthwhile," Dome said.

"We're looking at some more investment into the club, but you can't do that with a five-year licence. So the FFA has offered five years and we've said that's not enough to justify the investment that a number of partners and the owners are looking to make into the club."

A yet to be launched franchise in Sydney's Sutherland shire, home of the Cronulla Sharks NRL club, now looks likely to take the licence held by the Phoenix.

Dome said last week that the Sutherland entity was only in the mix should the A-League expand.

"It's well known the FFA have been investigating potential A-League markets in southern Sydney, in Melbourne and in Brisbane, Canberra and Tasmania and in Perth. There's no doubt they've been talking to people in those additional market," said Dome.

Dome said the FFA had assured him the Phoenix was a valued member of the league and would remain so.

News the Wellington Phoenix may not rise from the ashes after the current season has been met with despair and disappointment. It would also be a kick in the teeth for the growth and development of New Zealand football.

Supporter group Yellow Fever spokesman Guy Smith said the news was distressing for Phoenix fans: "If worst came to worst and the team is dead it would be a massive backward step and a huge tragedy," he said.

The ripple effect from the Phoenix disappearing would be felt through all levels of football in New Zealand, Smith said.

"Without a professional football team in New Zealand, players would have to look overseas."

However, Smith said the Fever weren't ready to lose all hope just yet: "There is a lot of posturing that goes on in football and the Fever has full faith in Welnix.

"In the meantime we are just keen for the Phoenix to keep on winning."

Within hours of the FFA announcing it wasn't hot on having the Phoenix in the A-League, a petition to "Save The Wellington Phoenix" was launched on Change.org.

Petition organiser JP Bayliss said "so as it stands, this is the last season we will be seeing the Phoenix playing in the A-League".

The petition pointed out the strengths of the New Zealand team: "The Phoenix had a whole country cheering them on, and a clear fan base," it stated.

"The team had some of the best players in the league and had been showing clear signs of improvement.

"The Nix played attractive football. Lots of goals, exciting drama. That's what the Phoenix is all about."

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