The FFA have granted the Wellington Phoenix a chance at a 10-year extension to their A-League licence.
FFA CEO David Gallop delivered the news at a press conference in Sydney, while Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison was on hand in Wellington to talk on the club's future.
Wellington Phoenix has an immediate four-year extension of its licence through to the end of the 2019/20 season, with two further three-year extensions dependent on a number of factors.
"I'm delighted to announce we have reached an agreement with the Wellington Phoenix which will give them the opportunity for a 10-year licence extension in the A-League," said Gallop.
"I think it's a great result for both organisations, it's a great result for football on both sides of the Tasman.
"Obviously we've been dealing with a unique set of circumstances having a club from another country playing in the A-League.
"It was important that we put in place some benchmarks, some hurdles if you like, that will see the Phoenix grow and see the Phoenix continue to add value to the A-League.
"The main focus is on growth in crowds, so we've set a level where we want to see the Phoenix reach average crowds at those two hurdle points and the other critically thing is the is the value of the commercial rights that come back into the league as a whole.
The Phoenix's current A-League deal was due to expire at the end of the season.
"We're delighted, it has taken a while, we understand that there was a degree of frustration, particularly with the fans, but it's worth waiting for," Morrison added.
"A 10-year deal gives us certainty in the club and it's a great result."
Phoenix manager Ernie Merrick credited the '#SaveTheNix' campaign that was backed by fans, and joked that it was nice to know he still has a job next season.
"The support has been tremendous throughout the league.
"[The deal] makes signing and re-signing players with the contract in place."
Newshub.
