The Toffees were looking to organise an exhibition match in either New Zealand and Australia in July but  Phoenix had been pushing for a quick decision on the exact date.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata has stated Everton are currently unable to make a firm commitment, leaving the chances of the match going ahead hanging in the balance.

"Given the incredible and somewhat unexpected amount of interest from football fans in the idea of Wellington Phoenix FC bringing Premier League club Everton to the capital for a pre-season exhibition match, it is with no small amount of regret that I must tell you that it now seems unlikely to go ahead," Pignata said on Phoenix's official website.

"It's not for the want of hard work and desire from both parties to make the event happen - rather it's a problem with timing.

"I met with officials from Everton to see if we could structure a deal for the visit but it became clear that the need to push the matter ahead quickly would make things extremely difficult.

"The major sticking point is that Everton are yet to finalise their pre-season planning in terms of dates and, indeed, where they want to go. Because of this they are unable to make a firm commitment to any visit."