30 Apr 2015

Sport: O-League winner believes professional comp has merit

11:52 am on 30 April 2015

Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx says a professional Oceania Champions League would be an exciting step forward for football in the region.

Hekari United owner John Kapi Natto says clubs are spending up to a million dollars to be competitive in the current format, which is not sustainable without a meaningful return.

A professional competition would allow clubs to play more matches, receive home gate-takings and keep players at the club.

Fresh from leading Auckland City to a fifth consecutive O-League title, Ramon Tribulietx,

believes the idea has merit.

"If it turns professional well that would be unbelievable. I mean that would be even better. It would be the best way to get those players an opportunity to dedicate themselves to this and to play better games. That means they get more experience and they become better".

Auckland City will represent Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December.

Auckland City celebrate winning the 2015 Oceania Champions League title.

Auckland City celebrate winning the 2015 Oceania Champions League title. Photo: SUPPLED