mmcc

Blatter supports World Cup change

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed his support for Australia's
proposal to replace the World Cup qualification play-off system with a
round-robin tournament.

The FIFA boss agreed with Soccer Australia's new chairman Frank Lowy,
that, following the removal of Oceania's right to direct
qualification, a new system with one team each from South America,
Asia, North America and Oceania should compete at a neutral venue,
with the top two sides qualifying for the World Cup.

"Soccer Australia will work with the Oceania Football Confederation to
prepare a formal proposal in the coming weeks," Lowy said.

"I have the support of the FIFA president for the proposal and he has
indicated he will strongly recommend to FIFA that it accept the new
format which will finally provide a fair and equitable opportunity for
teams from Oceania to prove themselves on the world stage."

anders t

Quoting MMcC in rec.sport.soccer:

[snips]

There is hope for Mankind if such a suggestion is accepted.

peter phung

There's hope for Mankind but still no hope for Australia, they won't get in
under any playoff system.

anders t

Quoting Peter Phung in rec.sport.soccer:


Well, if the Aussies can't make it under such a scheme, then the (somewhat
understandable) whining hopefully disappears.

I wonder... What if UEFA suggests to FIFA that UEFA gives up 2 direct
berths for 4 playoff spots? Then they can have 2 groups of 4 in Africa, say
South Africa. That will give RSA a chance to hint that they can arrange a
WC 2010.

Group 1: UEFA, UEFA, Concacaf, OFC
Group 2: UEFA, UEFA, Conmebol, AFC

ruud

I never cease to be amazed by how naive some people are that they might
read this garbage and believe it. It seems obvious what is going on with
this statement. Can anyone else see it?

OK, it's possible I've spent too much time hanging around politicians.

ruud

I look forward to Australia v Canada if Canada ever make the playoff at
all. Last time they wouldn't have even made it. If they do, and Australia
are scheduled to play Canada, I will put US$10000 on Australia if you
promise to put US$10000 on Canada, winner takes all. Since you're so sure
we wouldn't qualify under any playoff system let's make it even money.

This playoff system is not happening anyway. The pissweak Septic Bladder is
just trying to protect his power base before the whining canunts from
Central and North America refuse to take part in the playoff system anyway.
Then he says "well I tried, but the majority want the system to stay the
same way it is now, Oceania v South America and Asia v North/Central
America".

Nothing will change.