BusanBhoy Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 So if it comes to pass (basically if FIFA approves, as AFC already has) and Australia joins the Asian Football Confederation, would the asians 4.5 berths become the solid five they want? Would we loose our .5 (and any chance of an even four)? What would Oceana be left with? And, hey if all this goes down, could we join asia too?[}] (we could EASILY be in the hunt for third spot in that conference)(although Afc refs seem to come from the same mold as ours) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvio Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 AUSTRALIA SWITCH GIVEN GREEN LIGHT BY AFC 2005-Mar-23 The Asian Football Confederation has endorsed Australia's switch from Oceania. AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam announced the decision in Kuala Lumpur after Australia had applied to officially become the 46th member of the confederation. "The executive committee unanimously endorsed the wishes of Australia to join the AFC," bin Hammam said after a committee meeting in the Malaysian capital. First the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), of which Australia is currently a member, must approve Australia's departure at its executive meeting next month. And the move from the OFC to the AFC would then have to be endorsed by soccer's world governing body, FIFA. Asia has four automatic World Cup qualifying berths and a playoff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeta Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 Dosen't matter if they're playing in Oceania or Asia, the Aussies will still have terrible travel issues and given the tougher competition this move may not be all peachs and cream. That being said, I'd agree their chances of at least qualifying for a playoff spot remain the same no matter which of those confederations they play in. And at least in Asia they can qualify automatically. No I don't see CONCACAF lossing it's half slot to Asia. Why? Not exacly like Australia is an international world footie power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Massive Attack Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 If it was up to me, I would have the AFC and the OFC form into one Federation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusanBhoy Posted March 23, 2005 Author Share Posted March 23, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Massive Attack If it was up to me, I would have the AFC and the OFC form into one Federation. that would seem the most logical move - so probably won't happen (and I would still think we should get a full birth (fourth) before they get a fifth) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 Theres no point of having OFC without Australia, because the whole confederation is Australia and New Zealand, and a bunch of minnows. It would be alot easier to just join both and this might allow for some of the little island countries to develop into better soccer nations. I dont see the division of berths changing...but it will be a joke to give the OFC 0.5 of a birth without Australia competing for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canso Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 Oceania tis for thee!! Oceania Confederation New World Hexagonal (after prelims) Australia New Zealand Canada USA Jamaica Trinidad Old World Hex England Eire Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Malta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canso Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 To continue the Orwellian theme, the Middle Eastern nations incorporate into Eurasia, the rest of Asia into Eastasia. Mexico and Central America into the Americas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJT Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 quote:Originally posted by BusanBhoy And, hey if all this goes down, could we join asia too?[}] (we could EASILY be in the hunt for third spot in that conference)(although Afc refs seem to come from the same mold as ours) I don't think it would be as easy as most people seem to think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River City Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 Australia can move to any Confederation it wants to, but the sad fact is, if it can't beat the 5th placed team in South America, it has no business in the World Cup. It's not like the level of competition gets any easier. On the plus side, Australian teams will get a better competition in the Asian Champion's League. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted March 23, 2005 Share Posted March 23, 2005 quote:Originally posted by River City Australia can move to any Confederation it wants to, but the sad fact is, if it can't beat the 5th placed team in South America, it has no business in the World Cup. It's not like the level of competition gets any easier. On the plus side, Australian teams will get a better competition in the Asian Champion's League. Well, Saudi Arabia and China didn't seem to have any business at the World Cup and they were there. Hell, even France (holder) and Senegal couldn't beat Uruguay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River City Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 quote:Originally posted by Daniel Well, Saudi Arabia and China didn't seem to have any business at the World Cup and they were there. Hell, even France (holder) and Senegal couldn't beat Uruguay! The difference is, I think, the AFC has a lot more clout than the OFC I'm not arguing with you on the calibre of China, Saudi Arabia or France (hee, hee), but what's the use of guaranteeing a spot to a crappy team? At least if they can qualify through the AFC, they can claim they beat some somewhat decent teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJT Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 quote:Originally posted by River City On the plus side, Australian teams will get a better competition in the Asian Champion's League. But would forego an almost-guaranteed spot in the new Club World Championship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I heard Sharman mention on SportsWorld that Australia has been accepted into Asia....Anybody hear this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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