The fallout from the Australian Professional Leagues' (APL) decision to sell the A-League grand final to Sydney continues, with the Wellington Phoenix coming out against the move.
"Ever since the Wellington Phoenix was founded in 2007, we, like all of you, have dreamed of hosting a grand final in Wellington," the club said in a statement on Tuesday.
"For the next three years it will not be possible."
The APL on Monday announced a deal with Destination NSW to host the next three A-League grand finals in Sydney for an undisclosed fee.
The Phoenix said while they understood the financial benefits the agreement would provide the cash-strapped game, it was their preference that the current arrangement be maintained, with grand finals held in the city of the highest-ranked qualifier.
Fans, players and commentators have lashed the sport's administrators in the wake of the decision.
Supporter groups of all A-League clubs released statements on social media accusing the APL of betraying the game's fans.
Melbourne Victory's active support group, Original Style Melbourne, announced they will stage a 20th minute walk-out alongside Melbourne City supporters during their Saturday night clash at AAMI Park.
Socceroos' Qatar hero Craig Goodwin, who appeared in the APL's video announcement, was scathing in his criticism of the decision.
"I may be in the video for the A-League Men choice to host grand finals in Sydney, but I do not support it," the Adelaide United captain wrote on Twitter.
"Like many fans around the country ... I too am disappointed in this decision."
Goodwin was backed by Matildas forward Remy Siemsen, who wrote: "Like all competitors I have loved earning the right to play a home grand final and would love it to stay being earned."
APL chief executive Danny Townsend told ABC News Breakfast the move was intended to create a "festival of football" around the final, conceding they did not expect the backlash to be so vituperative.
"We understand the fans are emotional about this and are passionate about the grand final structure we've had," he said on Tuesday.
"We certainly don't want to see walk-outs but I'm sure we'll work with fans over the next couple of days to try and help them better understand the rationale behind our decision."
Mr Townsend claimed the clubs were complicit in the arrangement, but the Phoenix said they were not involved in the decision making.
Perth Glory chairman Tony Sage said he was caught unawares by the decision, telling radio station 6PR he believed clubs would be voting on the plan on Thursday.
"It was a slap in the face," he said.
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