NEWS RELEASE

27 October 2015

Capital backs Phoenix to remain with A-League

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says she is disappointed at the decision of Football Federation Australia to reject the Wellington Phoenix bid for a 10-year A-League licence extension.

"The Capital is fully behind the Phoenix and its participation in the Hyundai A-League and I encourage football fans in Wellington, around NZ, and within Australia, to buy their game day tickets and memberships to help the club remain in the A-League.

“Let’s show the FFA how good the Phoenix and Yellow Fever can be for the Beautiful Game on both sides of the Tasman and get out and support the team,” says Mayor Wade-Brown who will attend the Phoenix-Adelaide match at Westpac Stadium on 13 November.

“There are two other games, one against Melbourne Victory at Melbourne on 2 November and the other against Central Coast at Central Coast on 8 November where New Zealanders living in Australia can show their support.”

Councillor Jo Coughlan, Chair of Wellington City Council’s Economic Development Committee, says the Phoenix have transformed the sports scene in New Zealand since they first played in 2007 – and the franchise has brought economic fortune and vibrancy to the region.

“Without the Phoenix we would not have had the phenomenal successes of the David Beckham visit, and last year’s matches against Newcastle United and West Ham. All of these events were great for the region – and the Phoenix can take direct credit for the continuing huge growth in the numbers of young people playing football.

“The City Council has enthusiastically backed the Phoenix and I will be asking questions about how we can support the franchise in terms of getting the FFA to reconsider.”

ENDS

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