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Australian football now part of Asia

Australian football now part of Asia Australia has officially become a member of the Asian Football Confederation. After a year in which Football Federation Australia successfully launched the A-League and the Socceroos claimed their first berth in the World Cup in 32 years, the FFA completed the third of its three main objectives when it left Oceania and was officially welcomed into the AFC at midnight. Australia's first involvement with Asia will be on Wednesday at the 2007 Asian Cup draw in Kuala Lumpur. The Socceroos, whose newcomer status relegates them to the lowest possible pot for the draw of six, four-team groups, will

First step into Asia

First step into Asia AUSTRALIA today makes its first significant step into the Asian Football Confederation when the Socceroos go into the draw for the 2007 Asian Cup qualifiers. In Kuala Lumpur the Socceroos will go into the lowest-ranked pot of four, from which six four-team groups will be selected. It is a moment locally based Australian players will be keeping a very close eye on. The reality of the move into Asia is that for at least the three home fixtures, players from the A-League are going to play some part in national team squads. Australia's first away match on February

Roos enter Asia, with no players

Roos enter Asia, with no players The Socceroos have been left high and dry by a fixture that falls outside designated FIFA windows, in the middle of the A-League's playoff series and on a day Hiddink will be at reins of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. But indications from the Asia Football Confederation were not promising yesterday, with AFC communications director Clare Kenny saying: "We haven't received an official request from Australia to postpone the match but even if we do it's unlikely in a World Cup year there would be much scope to change the dates. "A final decision

Blatter backs Socceroos to lift Asia

Blatter backs Socceroos to lift Asia FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes Australian soccers move into Asia could spur the region out of its World Cup slump. Australia qualified for the finals from its old Oceania Confederation but played in Germany as a member of the more competitive Asian Confederation. The Socceroos were the only Asian side to move beyond the first round of the finals, with Iran, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australias group F rival and Asian champion Japan all eliminated. Blatter said the performance of the Asian nations was a concern.The other four Asian teams all kicked out in the first round,

Socceroos help spread Aussie influence in Asia

Socceroos help spread Aussie influence in Asia CANBERRA: Buoyed by its World Cup qualification, Australia is looking at using soccer to push its foreign policy and win acceptance in Asia. A study this week suggested the game - rocketing in popularity in Asia and Australia - could open important new doors, develop links in trade and politics, turn public opinion Australia's way and even assist in the fight against HIV/Aids. The Lowy Institute think-tank based its report on a seminar last month drawing together specialists on soccer, foreign policy commentators and regional affairs. More: