In an interview on SBS yesterday, Asian Football Confederation chief Mohammed Bin Hammam painted a vision beyond 2011 where Australia and New Zealand have their own domestic competitions with clear blue water between the two.

It came as a bolt out of the blue for Wellington officials and the club's CEO spent much of his morning discussing the situation with Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley.

Pignata told au.fourfourtwo.com: "I haven't seen the interview myself but I think the comments come as a surprise.

"I've talked to Ben Buckley today and we've left it with them (the FFA). I believe they will bring the matter up at the next AFC meeting in the next couple of weeks."

Phoenix may be based in New Zealand but they feel very much part of the Australian domestic football set-up and have expressed a desire to participate in the AFC Champions league should they claim A-League honours.

In addition, they are viewed as an Australian set up by world governing body FIFA.

Pignata said: "We feel we have brought a lot to the A-League, we belong in the A-League and Terry (owner Terry Serepisos) has always maintained we're here for the long haul."

Pignata pointed to the club's ability to attract Fred as another positive indicator of its standing and also highlighted an average home gate last year of almost 12,000 fans eager to see their team participate in the A-League.

Meanwhile, the club has today welcomed guest star Fred into the camp, Pignata confirming the Brazilian had landed, and he will be officially unveiled to the media on Wednesday.