Now that you mention it, actually, for the CFU that would be a practical and pragmatic solution. None of the runners-up could legitimately argue that they deserve to replace Valencia in the final round, since under normal circumstances they have already been eliminated. Furthermore, all three group winners have CCL-quality stadiums available in their own country - the J.R. Loubriel in Puerto Rico, the Office in Jamaica, and Providence Stadium in Guyana (where Alpha United hosted Herediano in 2011).
On Monday, FHF President Jean-Bart invited the presidents of the five dissident clubs to a meeting in two days' time. He notes that the CFU is expecting an answer today (Wednesday) as to Valencia's status.
So the meeting took place...and the G5 (Valencia and the other dissident clubs) made clear that they were protesting the Haitian Federation allowing "unqualified" teams Cavaly, America, Violette and Racing des Gonaives to play in the FHF Pro League. They further suggested a national Division 1 league alongside the new FHF Pro League, with the G5 and the four best teams from last year's D2. If the FHF accepts, then they would basically run two D1 leagues for this year - IOW, this dispute's not getting resolved any time soon. No word yet on the FHF's decision in re: Valencia and the CFU tournament.
Typical! I didn't expect much from the meeting because the G5 never presented any concrete, realistic solution. In any case it seems that the verdict has fallen and the FHF's patience has run thin. The 5 clubs will be left out of the competition that will continue with the remaining 11. A letter was sent to FIFA regarding the results of the meeting. Expect the CFU to make their official declaration soon that Valencia will not play in the 2014 CFU Club Championship.
That should just about do it: the FHF has announced that its Pro League will continue with the 11 teams currently participating, and has sent its report to FIFA/CONCACAF. Barring a surprise move from the CFU, Valencia are practically disqualified from this Club Championship...and unable to qualify for the next one.
Called it It seems CFU havent "standardized" the records of runners-up though. Kind of unfair on Defence Force, it wasnt their fault they had to play less matches!!! But all qualified teams have access to suitable stadia, so shouldnt be an issue.
Could be points per game or average goal difference. I doubt it is, but those would both put Centro Dominguito into the best runner-up spot.
True: we're all familiar with the Loubriel and the Office in Jamaica, while Alpha United successfully hosted Herediano two years ago.
To wrap up the Haitian issue (for now), Robert Dugué, president of G5 member FICA (Cap-Haitiën), explained his team's stance to Le Nouvelliste. The G5 object to two things in particular: The Haitian Federation's (FHF) decision to promote the aforementioned four "unqualified" clubs to the First Division on non-sporting merits. No one introduce him to MLS or his head might explode. The FHF inaugurating their Pro League practically overnight, when the facilities are far from standard and annual salaries (60,000 Haitian Gourds ~ 1,520 USD) aren't enough for players to cover living expenses and pay the taxes that would be levied on them as professional employees if the league properly registers as an enterprise. In short, while amenable to the idea of a Pro League, the G5 argue that it is being poorly implemented and rushed...perhaps to strengthen a Yves Jean-Bart reelection campaign.
Don't know where would I write this so will do it here: Bodden Town of Cayman Islands will take part and represent CONCACAF at OFC President's Cup, to be held in November in Auckland. They will face two of those: host team and OCL champion Auckland City, Vanuatuan champion and OCL finalist Amicale, Busaiteen of Bahrein, Fiji U20 team (preparing for U20 WC) and Singapore U23 team. Six teams will be drawn into two groups of three with goup winners playing in final (no info on eventual placement matches).
For Auckland City, sounds like great preparation for an eventual showdown with Real Madrid in the CWC.