Dunedin City Council says it is willing to host international football matches if it can be done more cheaply.
Michael Woodhouse MP (National) is critical of a decision by the the council to withdraw a formal bid for the FIFA Under-20 Football World Cup in 2015.
Organisers want the option of using the city's covered stadium for the tournament.
Mayor Dave Cull insists the council is still trying to reach a deal and is keen to have the stadium utilised if the figures stack up.
