AFC seeks extra place for Asian

AFC seeks extra place for Asian

SEOUL (Reuters): Asian soccer chief Peter Velappan said on Sunday he was seeking unity among FIFA members in reaching a decision to allocate an extra place to Asia at the 2002 World Cup finals in Korea and Japan.

"We would like all members to demonstrate solidarity (on the issue)," Velappan said. "We are very optimistic... we hope it won't go to a vote."

The decision is due to be taken at a FIFA council meeting scheduled for July 7 and 8 in Los Angeles, California, he said.

Velappan is currently visiting South Korea as part of a FIFA delegation to monitor preparations for the World Cup.

Last December, FIFA awarded Asia four places for the 32-team finals, which included two automatic spots for the co-hosts Korea and Japan.

For the last World Cup in France, Asia had three places plus the chance of a fourth via a playoff against the Oceania champions.

That spot went to the fifth-placed South American team and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is demanding that FIFA return it to Asia.

The AFC has threatened a boycott of the qualifying tournament if their demands are not met.