Ownership Announcement Phoenix Football Club

23 September 2011

Ownership Announcement Phoenix Football Club

Gareth Morgan, spokesman for Welnix said today that Phoenix Hyundai A-League Team is to remain in Wellington under new ownership and with a new board of directors.

“The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) has issued a new licence for the Phoenix to a new Wellington-based company called Welnix Ltd, which has been formed by a group of Wellington-based investors, assembled to ensure the Phoenix Club is retained in Wellington.

“The Phoenix provides enormous pride and pleasure for thousands of football supporters and we want to see this continue.

“The Phoenix team and infrastructure was a contributing factor in the All Whites qualifying for the Football World Cup in South Africa (who will ever forget that sensational game against Bahrain here in Wellington) and will continue to provide a springboard for the All Whites to qualify again next time round.

“Welnix Ltd has satisfied the FFA that it has sufficient capital to efficiently run the Phoenix Club and provide operational stability,” said Mr. Morgan.

The new company will be chaired by Rob Morrison and includes Gareth Morgan, Campbell Gower and Lloyd Morrison amongst others. The consortium of owners will establish a new board that will include directors with the appropriate expertise to run the football club.

“Discussions will start immediately with all existing office staff and team management and the new owners are optimistic that all staff at all levels will be retained.

“We recognise and acknowledge the tremendous job that Terry Serepisos achieved in establishing the Phoenix in Wellington. We will offer Terry on-going recognition as Founding Patron of the club. He has made a very special contribution to New Zealand soccer.

“The change in licence and governance means the team and management can now focus on the opening games of the season without any distractions. Negotiations to contract the full quota of players will also start immediately.

“Stakeholders including the team management, Yellow Fever supporters, Wellington City Council and the Westpac Stadium have been fully briefed. It is now over to the team and management to provide an entertaining season on the football field and for the fans to come out and support them once again,” said Mr. Morgan.

ENDS

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