L'Australie dans l'AFC, c'est confirmé !!!

[James Bond 007]

Voilà deux articles qui proviennent du site internet de la Confédération Asiatique de Football (http://www.the-afc.com) et qui confirment la nouvelle. C'est en anglais, désolé !!!


AFC and FFA meet the Australian media
26 March 2005

AFC President, Mohamed bin Hammam and Football Federation of Australia (FFA) President, Frank Lowy held a joint press conference this morning in Sydney. This is the first time both parties have met since the AFC Executive Committee’s unanimous decision on 23rd March 2005 to accept FFA’s application to join the Asian football family.

Bin Hammam and his delegation are in Australia to witness Australia’s matches against two Asian teams, Australia vs. Iraq in Sydney on Saturday 26 March, and Australia vs Indonesia in Perth on 29 March. The latter will take place in memory of the Tsunami victims to raise funds for the FIFA/AFC Tsunami Solidarity Fund.

Bin Hammam thanked FFA for their very warm welcome, and added, “This is my first time visiting Australia and I hope it will not be the last.”

Both Presidents expressed their confidence that the inclusion of the Football Federation of Australia as AFC’s 46th member will bring mutual benefits to both parties on all levels, including technical, development and commercial benefits.

“I’m sure Australian football will stand tall beside other great Asian nations such as Japan, Korea Rep., IR Iran and Saudi Arabia. All of them will present a progressive image of Asian football,” said Bin Hammam.

Lowy recalled the moments when talks between FFA and AFC started. “We have always had a good relationship with Asia but it increased during my visit to the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur in December 2004 when I was attending the AFC Awards Gala event. Our preliminary discussions went well and the organization of the two matches against Iraq and Indonesia is a reflection of our relationship,” Lowy explained.

“I hope that once we have the final agreement from FIFA, that this will mark the beginning of an even stronger relationship between AFC and FFA,” Bin Hammam added.

Australian clubs to play in AFC Champions League

Bin Hammam also announced that following the finalisation of Australia’s membership, Australia’s clubs will play in AFC’s elite club competition, AFC Champions League. “We will categorize Australia as one of our ‘mature’ member association, in terms of the Vision Asia categories already defined.”


FFA’s move to Asia receives government backing
26 March 2005

Football Federation of Australia’s move to join Asia has received backing from the Australian government.

Speaking at the Australia vs Iraq match held at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney last night, Australian Prime Minister, John Howard said, “I’m very hopeful and supportive of Australia’s application to join AFC. It is a very sensible interaction and makes a great deal of sense in more ways than one.”

The Prime Minister also expressed optimism that the new liaison will have its effects in the economic and political arena.

Meanwhile, Australia beat Iraq 2-1 with goals from Marco Bresciano and Elrich. Iraq though stunned the 30,000 home crowd when they took the lead as early as the 12th minute.

Mohammad Nasir took advantage when the Australian defence were caught off guard by an Iraqi clearance. His lob went past the helpless Australian keeper, Mark Schwarzer.

However, it took Australia only 11 minutes to equalize. Bresciano’s shot from 20 metres out might have looked harmless at first but was enough to hit the back of the net.

Australia dominated the match through-out and fully deserved the winning goal in the 73rd minute. Ahmad Elrich had just been on the pitch for less than 60 seconds when he latched on a Josip Skoko’s pass.

The home side will now play Indonesia on 29 March 2005.

[Y]

I hope that once we have the final agreement from FIFA !

Si c'est accepté, ça vous dirait un saut en Océanie ? On pourrait rejouer en barrage contre... l'Australie !