Australia move to AFC approved

FIFA's executive committee yesterday authorised Australia's move from the Oceania confederation (OFC) to the Asian confederation (AFC).

Australia had not been expected to be given approval until a FIFA Congress meeting in Morocco in September.

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

Australia now become the 46th member of the AFC. The move will change the dynamics of the sport in Asia and around the Pacific where Australia have been the dominant force for more than 30 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.

Farina quits

Australia coach Frank Farina has stepped down, Football Federation Australia said.

The decision ends Farina's six years as head coach of the Socceroos. He will be replaced on an interim basis by national technical manager Ron Smith.