7 Dec 2012

Auckland coach says they won't progress unless they turn pro

10:56 am on 7 December 2012

The Auckland City football coach Ramon Tribulietx says New Zealand sides are unlikely to progress far in the Club World Cup unless they become fully professional.

Auckland were eliminated from the tournament in Japan, after a 1-1 loss to the host team Hiroshima in their first match.

Only once has the Oceania representative managed to get past the first qualification round.

Tribulietx says that's only going to change if the players become full-time.