First shot fired in rivalry between New Zealand's two A-League clubs ...

The Wellington Phoenix have wasted no time in having a tongue-in-cheek jibe at their new A-League rivals, Auckland FC.

In a media release timed to coincide with the launch of Auckland FC’s name, colours and kit, the Phoenix called for Auckland’s border to be revised so the city could become part of Greater Wellington.

READ MORE: New Auckland A-League club shows its true colours, its crest and its name >>>>

Here’s the Phoenix release:

The Wellington Phoenix are calling for the New Zealand Government to move the Wellington border more than 700 kilometres up State Highway 1 to ensure the club’s fans are looked after.

This change would see the boundary of Greater Wellington include the majority of the North Island, extending the new Wellington Super City to just north of Whangārei.

“It’s fair to say Auckland doesn’t have a great track record in professional football, unlike Wellington,” Phoenix general manager David Dome said.

“The Phoenix are unbeatable at Eden Park and it doesn’t make sense Saturday’s match will be our last home game at the venue.

“We have thousands of fans in Auckland and they don’t want to have to support the new expansion franchise.

“Bringing Tāmaki Makaurau into the Wellington Super City will ensure our loyal supporters can continue to cheer on the Nix.”

The Phoenix have proposed a new base for the new expansion team.

“We’ve made the difficult decision to give up the Far North in the spirit of good sportsmanship,” Dome said.

“The Kerikeri Sports Complex is a great ready-made option for the new franchise and the region would no doubt benefit from Bill Foley’s billions.

“And when the border is moved our fans in the Far North would only have to make a short trip down State Highway 1 to be in Wellington and support the Phoenix.”

You can add your name to the petition here >>>>

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