A report in the New Zealand press today says the move to admit Phoenix has not received universal support from clubs in the NZFC (for next season) and that the Westpac Stadium outfit face at least a 12 month wait before their proposal for entry is examined again.  

Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com this morning, Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata said he expected the picture to become clearer by the end of the week and said the club had yet to hear that their hopes had been dashed.  

Phoenix believe they are at a disadvantage to A-League rivals in not having a youth side with no opportunity for youngsters to gain experience and no chance for senior players to get game time in order to impress or recover from injury.  

Pignata said: "At this stage we have not been officially notified (that the club will not be admitted) and we are still hopeful."   

The Phoenix CEO insists participation isn't simply a case of being beneficial for the club in its quest for A-League success. It would be a win-win situation for all concerned.  

He said: "We are looking at a situation where eight or nine youngsters would be given the chance to develop with us. Yes, it's good for the Phoenix but these players will hopefully develop for New Zealand as well.

"Phoenix players have been a large part of both World Cup qualifying and Confederations Cup games."

Pignata also said that the club's entry into the NZFC wouldn't see them immediately cherry pick all the cream from rivals clubs. He said: "We will not recruit any players currently playing for an NZFC club."  

While trying to remain positive, Pignata admitted that a refusal to allow the club entry would be a big blow. "It would be a big set-back and we feel we are already disadvantaged by not having the same opportunity to field players in a way that the other A-League sides do. But as I said, we remain hopeful."

As for the senior players, they are in action this weekend when they take on Melbourne Victory in a pre-season clash.