Despite clinching the A-League Premier's Plate, Auckland FC can't compete in the AFC Champions League due to its Oceania Football Confederation affiliation. The club eyes the proposed OFC Professional League as a consolation.
Auckland FC just won the A-League Premier’s Plate… only to be told they can’t compete in the AFC Champions League. Why? Because geography is a vibe and Auckland’s in the wrong football club. Apparently, being in the Oceania Football Confederation makes them too “other” for Asia’s elite.
It’s like getting crowned valedictorian and then banned from graduation. Auckland dominated the A-League, but the AFC rules say: thanks, but no thanks. Their consolation prize? Possibly joining the “proposed” OFC Pro League—aka the maybe-one-day fantasy league of the Pacific. This isn’t just a snub.
It’s a bureaucratic own goal. Auckland FC plays better football than most AFC teams on a Tuesday, but legacy rules and old-school borders still decide who’s allowed in the club. FIFA watches from the sidelines like a parent pretending not to have favourites. As of today, Auckland FC’s best hope is a hypothetical new league and a vague pat on the back.
Champions, yes. International relevance? Still pending. Sources: News.com.au, The Guardian Sport, SBS (01/05/2025)
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