Australia, Indonesia commit to closer football ties

January 16, 2010

Football Federation Australia and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) have signed an agreement committing to closer football ties, FFA said here on Saturday.

The agreement covers a raft of exchange programs and an increased number of internationals between the two countries, FFA said.

Under the five-year agreement FFA will assist the PSSI in the development of coaches, players, referees, grassroots football and women?s football and host training visits for Indonesian players, coaches and officials, a statement said.

As a key part of the agreement the PSSI will assist the FFA to fully integrate into South East Asian football and the ASEAN Football Federation and provide competition for Australian teams at a range of age levels and formats.

FFA and PSSI have also agreed to encourage their respective national governments to consider football as a way to increase cooperation at political, social, economic and environmental levels, the statement said.

The memorandum was signed by FFA Chairman Frank Lowy and PSSI President Nurdin Halid.

“This is a landmark agreement with one of our closest neighbours that will see the game in both countries benefit enormously by the sharing of technical knowledge and experience,” Lowy said.

“We also believe that football and our federations can be important vehicles to assist in the development of relations between our two countries and their governments.”

Halid said in the statement that the agreement would be a major boost for the game in both countries and relations at all levels.

“We enjoy a close relationship with Australia and we are proud to be involved in this agreement which will bring us even closer together,” Halid said.

Australia will host Indonesia in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification match in Brisbane on March 3.

SYDNEY (AFP)

Pohang Steelers coach eyes Club World Cup

November 8, 2009

Pohang Steelers coach Sergio Farias is eyeing next month’s Club World Cup after his side won their third continental crown to become the most successful side in Asian football history.

The South Korean outfit shocked two-time champions Al Ittihad 2-1 to lift the AFC Champions League for the first time Saturday, adding to their titles in the former Asian Club Championship in 1997 and 1998.

Their win in Tokyo’s National Stadium over the Saudi giants means they are the first team to win three continental trophies and Farias said he hoped it would inspire Korean football to new heights.

Second-half goals from No Byung-Jun and Kim Hyung-Il sealed a 2-1 victory and Farias now wants South Korean football to become the dominant force in Asia. Pohang’s win follows victory for South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors in 2006.

“This victory proves that Korean football is evolving but that there is room for improvement,” said the Brazilian.

“So I hope this triumph will trigger the players and clubs to open up their eyes to understand the necessity of improving their football.”

“A football club needs to use all their potential to win a title,” he added.

“When I first came to this team technically they were good but they were not as competitive.

“You have to have both technical and physical aspects but you have to achieve results, results are everything in football. We want to play football that is beautiful to watch but also achieve results.”

Following a tight first half, Pohang took the lead when No’s 25-yard free-kick found the net and they doubled their lead with a header from another set piece.

The Saudis hit back through Mohammed Noor with 16 minutes to go but could not level the scores.

Now Farias will take his charges to the Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, featuring heavyweights Barcelona, the European champions, and Estudiantes, winners of the Copa Libertadores.

“For sure, it is a dream for every club to take part in the Club World Cup, especially for us,” he said.

“We know our team’s potential. I cannot say how far we can reach, but we will do our best,” Farias added.

But before the team travel to the Middle East, Farias said Pohang were bidding for victory in the K-League. They qualified for the play-offs after finishing second in the regular season.

“We are going to aim for our second league victory (since he became coach). We know what we must do in our preparation for the Club World Cup,” Farias said.

And looking further into the future, Farias said he wants to be involved in the World Cup in his native Brazil in 2014.

“I also want to take part in the World Cup as a coach. I started my coaching career quite early, so I think I will have a chance some day. Hopefully, it will be the Brazil World Cup in 2014,” said Farias, who guided Brazil to the quarter-finals of the 2001 under-17 World Cup

Al Ittihad’s Argentinian coach Gabriel Calderon congratulated Pohang on their win.

“I don’t know how Pohang will play in the Club World Cup, but they are an attacking team, so I think they will give a really a good performance,” said Calderon, who played in the 1982 and 1990 World Cups for Argentina.

TOKYO (AFP)

Tags: afc champions league, Al-Ittihad, Argentina, Asia, asian club championship, asian football, Barcelona, brazil, club world cup, continental trophies, copa libertadores, dominant force, european champions, farias, football history, free kick, Gabriel Calderon, heavyweights, Kim Hyung-, Middle East, Mohammed Noor, noor, physical aspects, pohang steelers, saudis, Sergio Farias, south korea, time champions, tokyo, united arab emirates

Qotbi gets vote of confidence as Iran coach

July 9, 2009

TEHRAN (AFP) – Iran on Wednesday kept faith with coach Afshin Qotbi agreeing a new 18-month contract despite the team’s failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

The Iranians, a traditional powerhouse of Asian football, were dumped out of the World Cup qualifiers in the closing matchday of Asia’s qualifying final round last month, only managing a 1-1 draw against South Korea.

Iranian-American Qotbi vowed to resurrect the team’s fortunes in the forthcoming Asian Cup after the Iranians’ disappointing performance in the World Cup campaign.

Speaking after signing an 18-month contract with the Iranian Football Federation, Qotbi said: “I will harness all of our football human wealth and my coaching knowledge to make Team Melli Asia’s champion,” the ISNA news agency reported.

Qotbi was brought in after the Iranian football federation sacked two home grown coaches, Ali Daei and Mohammad Mayelikohan, in quick succession due to poor performances and disputes over tactics.

The American-trained coach previously worked with the US national team before a long stint assisting Dutch coaches Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat and then Pim Verbeek with the South Koreans.

The Iranians’ hopes for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar are looking bright: they head group E ahead of their next fixtures against Singapore, Thailand and Jordan.

Qotbi blamed poor preparation for the lack of success in the World Cup effort.

“I talked to the football federation to furnish us a special plane for our away matches, prepare the ground for friendly matches with worthy teams,” he said.

“These items were on my mind when I was negotiating with the federation and my salary as coach was my least concern,” he said.

“We should plan in a way so when we are in Brazil (2014 World Cup) we should be able to make it to the second round,” he added.

Iran are hoping for a return to their heyday they enjoyed in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when they were Asian champions three times.

The Iranians managed to reach two World Cups after the 1979 Islamic revolution: in France (1998) and in Germany (2006).

Team Melli’s only win in the event was at the French tournament when they overcame arch foes United States 2-1.

Following the South Korea match, two leading players – Ali Karimi and skipper Mehdi Mahdavikia – resigned from the national team amid rumours some of the squad were being punished for wearing green armbands in support of the political opposition.

Iranian authorities dismissed the claims as “lies and mischievous acts.”

Tags: Ali Daei, ali karimi, Asia, asian cup, asian football, brazil, brazil 2014, dick advocaat, football federation, France, Germany, head group, human wealth, Iran, iranian football, iranians, jordan, matchday, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Mohammad Mayelikohan, poor performances, Qatar, SINGAPORE, South Africa, south korea, south koreans, succession, Tehran, Thailand, United States, verbeek, World Cup, world cup campaign, world cup finals, world cup qualifiers

FIFA rules ´banned´ AFC associations can vote

April 24, 2009

SINGAPORE (AFP) – World football’s governing body on Friday said five “banned” Asian football associations have the right to vote at the AFC’s crucial upcoming Congress.

It followed a letter from the associations to FIFA president Sepp Blatter urging him to intervene and supervise what they claimed would be an undemocratic Congress next month.

The letter outlining their concerns, including allegations of “threats expressed against some of us”, was signed by senior officials from the FAs of Kuwait, Laos, East Timor, Afghanistan and Mongolia.

All five associations had been told by the AFC that they could not vote on a challenge by Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa to AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam, whose place on FIFA’s executive committee is up for grabs.

Both men claim to have the numbers to win the increasingly bitter battle for the seat on May 8, but with a two-thirds majority required the five votes could prove crucial.

Marco Villiger, FIFA’s director of legal affairs, said in his reply, obtained by AFP, that the associations appeared to meet all the necessary requirements.

“It is our duty to have answered your questions neutrally, objectively and in compliance with the FIFA statues and with mandatory Swiss association laws,” he added.

Four of the associations — Laos, East Timor, Afghanistan and Mongolia — had been told by the AFC they could not vote because they had not participated in at least three Asian competitions in the past two years.

FIFA ruled that they had, making clear that under-13 and under-14 competitions must also be considered.

“Any other interpretation would be against the logical reading of the article (in the statutes),” said Villiger.

As for Kuwait, they were informed by the AFC that it did not recognise the temporary committee that is currently running its football affairs and so were not eligible to vote.

But Villiger said the Kuwait Football Association was recognised by FIFA after a suspension it was under for political interference was provisionally lifted, and it had full voting rights.

He added that “the Congress as the supreme authority of the AFC is the body to decide about voting rights”.

“Neither the (AFC) executive committee nor any other committee have the power to decide about such issues.”

The AFC had no immediate comment.

Tags: AFC, Afghanistan, al khalifa, asian football, bahrain, bitter battle, CAF Champions League, east timor, FIFA, football association, football associations, governing body, hammam, kuwait football, Laos, laos east, legal affairs, Marco Villiger, mongolia, necessary requirements, political interference, president mohamed, senior officials, Sepp Blatter, SINGAPORE, swiss association, temporary committee, world football

Blatter asked to intervene ´urgently´ in AFC row

April 23, 2009

SINGAPORE (AFP) – Five Asian football associations have called on FIFA president Sepp Blatter to “urgently” intervene and supervise what they claim will be an undemocratic AFC Congress next month.

A letter outlining their concerns, including allegations of “threats expressed against some of us,” has been signed by senior officials from the FAs of Kuwait, Laos, East Timor, Afghanistan and Mongolia and sent to Blatter.

All five associations have been banned from voting in the Congress which will see AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam challenged by Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa for a seat on FIFA’s executive committee.

Both men claim to have the numbers to win the increasingly bitter battle but with a two-thirds majority required, the five votes could be crucial.

“We are writing to you because we need, urgently and crucially, your support and guidance,” said the letter, obtained by AFP.

“In recent days we have received letters from AFC’s acting secretary general that are totally against the FIFA and AFC Statutes.

“On the basis of such information and of the threats expressed against some of us, we have reason to believe that there is a serious risk that the AFC Congress will not be held in a democratic way…”

It called for FIFA to “monitor and supervise the process of the Congress and election operations”.

“As FIFA members, we therefore respectfully request FIFA take steps to ensure that the AFC Congress is conducted… with complete fairness and integrity.”

Four of the associations — Laos, East Timor, Afghanistan and Mongolia — have been told they cannot vote because they have not participated in at least three AFC competitions in the past two years.

As for Kuwait, they have been informed by the AFC that it does not recognise the temporary committee that is currently running its football affairs.

The letter to Blatter comes as the heat intensifies ahead of the Congress, with the Olympic Council of Asia this week denying it was involved in “vote-buying” to influence the outcome of the elections.

The previous week, South Korea’s football association filed a complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee against Bin Hammam, accusing him of “groundless, bitter accusations.”

Tags: AFC, Afghanistan, al khalifa, allegations, asian football, bahrain, bitter battle, blatter, CAF Champions League, democratic way, east timor, executive committee, fairness, FIFA, football associations, kuwait, Laos, laos east, mongolia, olympic council, president mohamed, secretary general, senior officials, Sepp Blatter, SINGAPORE, south korea, support and guidance, temporary committee

Japan on top in AFC Champions League

April 22, 2009

SINGAPORE (AFP) – Japan remains firmly on track to have four teams in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League after decisive victories Wednesday for Kashima Antlers and Nagoya Grampus.

The Antlers thrashed Singapore Armed Forces 5-0 at home while Nagoya grabbed a valuable three points with a 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets in Australia.

Defending champions Gamba Osaka and fellow Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale are already through to the knockout rounds — the only two teams qualified so far — as the J-League once again proves its credentials in Asian football.

Kashima now have nine points in Group G, level with Korean giants Suwon Bluewings who won their crucial clash with Chinese heavyweights Shanghai Shenhua 2-1.

Two quick goals just before the break from Suwon’s Lee Sang-Ho and Bae Ki-Jong cancelled out Yanko Valkanov’s 12th minute strike for Shenhua, leaving the Chinese team on six points and facing a must-win trip to Kashima on May 5.

Nagoya tightened their grip on Group E with a Yoshizumi Ogawa goal, leaving them unbeaten and well placed to advance on eight points, four ahead of Beijing Guoan who play Ulsan Hyundai later Wednesday.

Newcastle remain on four points.

Ogawa netted the winner in the 56th minute with a piece of neat finishing after he controlled a cross from winger Keita Sugimoto to drill home past Newcastle goalkeeper Ben Kennedy.

The Jets could have forced a draw but substitute striker Sasho Petrovski spurned a penalty attempt 12 minutes from time.

Kashima, meanwhile, adopted an aggressive three-forward system against the defensive Armed Forces, with Brazilian Marquinhos, Shinzo Koroki and Yuya Osako proving a formidable trio.

They got their opener on 28 minutes through a Takuya Nozawa header — the club’s 1,500th goal since its inception.

Koroki added a second seven minutes before the break and Mitsuo Ogasawara put the game beyond reach with a third early in the second half.

Osako bagged the fourth in the 54th minute and Koroki completed his brace with a powerful left-foot drive with 16 minutes left.

In west Asia, Uzbek powerhouse Pakhtakor and Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia?s newly crowned champions, both have home matches as they bid to strengthen their positions at the top of Group A and Group C respectively.

Pakhtakor, who have seven points, host Saba Battery in Tashkent while Al Hilal play Al Ahli in Dubai. Hilal are on five points, Saba Battery have two and Ahli have one.

Al Ittihad, on seven points, host UAE’s Al Jazira who are five points behind them.

In the other group game, Umm Salal of Qatar visit the intimidating Azadi Stadium in Tehran to play Esteghlal, who are desperate for a win after picking up only one point so far.

Tags: afc champions league, Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al-Ittihad, asian football, Australia, azadi stadium, Bae, Beijing, beijing guoan, Ben Kennedy, chinese team, decisive victories, Dubai, heavyweights, j league, Japan, japanese side, kashima antlers, kawasaki frontale, Lee Sang-, marquinhos, nagoya grampus, petrovski, Saba Battery, saudi arabia, Shanghai, shanghai shenhua, SINGAPORE, singapore armed forces, suwon bluewings, takuya, Tashkent, Tehran, UAE, UEFA Champions League, ulsan hyundai, west asia, yoshizumi, yuya

Hopes high as qualifying for 2011 Asian Cup begins

January 14, 2009

SINGAPORE (AFP) – Qualifying for the 2011 Asian Cup kicks off on Wednesday with China under the microscope after a miserable 2008, in contrast to heavyweights Australia and Japan who are expected to coast.

China, with Yin Tiesheng as interim coach after Serbian Vladimir Petrovic quit when the team crashed out of 2010 World Cup contention last June, face a tricky first game away to Syria.

Yin has been put in charge only for their opening two Asian Cup qualifiers but knows the side need a win to boost their confidence.

He has vowed to restore discipline.

"I will be in charge of the team for a short period, and I hope I can instil a fighting spirit into the team," Yin said.

"Maybe this will be the most noticeable change I can bring to the team."

Lebanon and Vietnam are also in their group and play each other Wednesday with only the top two from each group making the finals.

Australia and Japan must go through the motions and qualify for the showpiece in Qatar after failing to shine at the last event in 2007.

Five teams though will sit back and watch the action knowing they have already booked their tickets.

Qatar qualify automatically as hosts while Iraq, Saudi Arabia and South Korea are assured of their places after finishing as the top three teams in 2007 tournament.

India make the finals for the first time since 1984 after winning the AFC Challenge Cup last year, an event featuring second tier Asian nations. The winner of the 2010 tournament will also go through to the finals.

Australia, whose initiation in Asian football after defecting from the Oceania confederation was at the 2007 Asian Cup, are in group B that also includes 1980 champions Kuwait, Indonesia and Oman.

They don’t open their campaign until later in the month and will have a chance to scout their opposition when Oman host Indonesia next Monday.

Japan are three-time winners of the Asian Cup and face Yemen in their opener at home next Tuesday. Bahrain and Hong Kong complete their group.

Iran, also three-time champions, host Singapore on Wednesday with nothing short of victory expected from coach Ali Daei.

His Singapore counterpart Raddy Avramovic has other ideas, confident his team can make their first ever Asian Cup finals.

"Iran are a physically very strong and compact team and have very fast, attacking individuals" he said.

"We’ll have to keep them out of our penalty box and cut their passing game."

Also in their group are Jordan and Thailand, who clash Wednesday in Amman.

The final group only has three teams — Uzbekistan, UAE, and Malaysia. India were initially drawn in this group but progressed automatically with the Challenge Cup victory.

Qatar, which successfully hosted the Asian Games in 2006 and boasts top-rate sports facilities, was the only country that bid for the tournament after India and Iran pulled out.

It will be held in January 2011 with the only other FIFA window available, in July and August when the tournament is usually held, considered too hot in the Gulf region.

Qatar last played host in 1988 when Saudi Arabia won.

Written by: AFP

Tags: afc challenge cup, AFP, Ali Daei, Amman, asian cup, asian cup qualifiers, asian football, asian nations, Australia, China, confederation, contention, FIFA, fighting spirit, first game, heavyweights, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, interim coach, Iraq, kuwait, Lebanon, microscope, motions, noticeable change, Oman, Qatar, saudi arabia, serbian, showpiece, SINGAPORE, south korea, Thailand, The Gulf, time champions, time winners, UAE, Vietnam, Vladimir Petrovic, Yin Tiesheng

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