A couple of wins in Morocco by a team from Auckland is going to give football's flagship team in the South a significant financial boost, raising its income by more than 50%.
Although figures have to be finalised, Southern United could receive a figure in the region of $100,000 thanks to the performance of Auckland City in the Fifa World Club Cup.
Auckland City has made it through to the final four of the competition, and will face Argentinian side San Lorenzo in Morocco.
The Aucklanders will take home at least $NZ2.57 million in prize money from the tournament, which will rise to $5.14 million if they win Thursday's semifinal.
That money does not all go to Auckland City.
Under an agreement with New Zealand Football, prize money will be shared among the club, New Zealand Football and the other franchises in the ASB Premiership, including Southern United.
Southern United chairman Aaron Joy said the actual sum had not yet been calculated.
It was believed 50% of the prize money would go to Auckland City and the other 50% to the franchises in the national league, but Joy said some money would also go to New Zealand Football.
''I don't want to speculate on a figure but I can say it will be a absolute benefit for us and it is a welcome addition to our coffers,'' Joy said.
Asked if it was likely to be at least $100,000, he said it should be near that amount.
With the franchise having operating costs of between $150,000 and $180,000, it would be a great boost to the team.
''That sort of money will go towards our entry fees. When you have two teams in the national league then you are looking at an entry fee of $65,000 plus GST, and that's a lot of money for a club which runs on a shoestring.
''This sort of payout helps with the continuity of the club. It means we can plan for next season. It means we can keep our coaches for next season and show some faith in them.''
Southern United appointed Mike Fridge as coach this year but, after a promising start, the side has slipped to three straight losses and lies second-bottom on the table.
It is in the final year of a two-year licence to play in the league.
The premiership also includes teams from the Phoenix club and a Wanderers team, a side organised by New Zealand Football made up of youth players.
Both of these teams could not strictly be classed as premiership clubs and there was some doubt whether they will qualify for the payout.
Southern United received $30,000 last season when Auckland City received $500,000 from the World Club Cup, which Joy said was very welcome.
He said Auckland City's cup run was a huge boost to the game in New Zealand and it was not over yet.
''This is knockout football and anything can happen. The Argentinian side is only just flying in a couple of days beforehand. Auckland has been there and played a couple of games.''
