Australia completes move from to Asia

Australia completes move from to Asia

Mike Collett, Reuters/Frankfurt, Germany

FIFA's executive committee on Wednesday ratified Australia's
migration from the Oceania confederation (OFC) to the Asian
confederation (AFC), a move that will have a major impact on
soccer in both regions.

Australia had not been expected to be given approval until
September when FIFA's Congress meets in Marrakech, Morocco but
the executive committee saw no reason to wait until then, said
FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday.

"All the participants were happy with the move and this being
the case, the executive committee approved it under the statutes.
It did not need to wait for Congress."

Blatter added: "The Oceania delegates have thought for many
years that Australia was too powerful and blocked the way of the
other 11 countries. Now New Zealand, and the Pacific islands at
least have a chance. They can go it alone, I am sure it will be a
success."

Mohamed Bin Hammam, the AFC president, said: "The FIFA
executive committee decided to allow Australia to move now and I
am very glad it has happened.

"It makes sense from both the Oceania point of view and for
Asia it is good that we have another strong country."

Australia now becomes the 46th member of the AFC and its new
status should have a hugely beneficial impact on the development
of soccer in the country.

The move will also end a series of mis-matches which have
included Australia crushing Pacific island nations American Samoa
31-0 and Tonga 22-0 in World Cup qualifiers in the last few
years.

At the same time it will give Australia a far more realistic
chance of reaching future World Cup finals -- something they have
not done since 1974 in West Germany.

Australia have usually won the Oceania zone qualifying
competition with ease -- and then faltered in a two-legged
playoff against South American or Asian opponents.

This way they can afford to lose some matches like every other
nation does during the 18-month long qualifying campaign -- and
still get through to the finals.

The announcement was made, ironically, on the day Australia
coach Frank Farina stepped down from his job after three straight
defeats by his team in the Confederations Cup.

Australia are still hoping to qualify for the 2006 World Cup
in Germany through their traditional route, but will be an Asian
nation for the 2010 qualifying campaign ahead of the finals in
South Africa.