Soccer: Asian clubs ruled out as part of rescue deal

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Forget any thoughts of an Asian team playing in any Australian-based soccer competition.


"It won't happen," Football Kingz chief executive Chris Turner said.


He was commenting on suggestions that a revamped league, including one or more teams from Asia, was an option as the Australian game desperately searched for a way out of the doldrums. "There is no way Fifa will allow teams from another confederation to play in the domestic competition of another country," Turner said.


"It was difficult enough for a New Zealand team to win a place in the NSL, and we are members of the same [Oceania] confederation.


"There have been a number of proposals from state federations, the Professional Players' Association and Soccer Australia, but we have seen nothing.


"It could be that down the track the top one or two NSL clubs will play in a European championship-type competition with top Asian clubs, but that's as far as I see it going."


The key to any proposal was Soccer Australia's effort to secure a television agreement with Channel 7.


They needed a partner to move things on and attract sponsors, Turner said.


"In many ways, Soccer Australia see what we have done as being the blueprint. They look at our arrangement with Sky with some envy."


Of suggestions the Football Kingz would have to start work next season on ensuring their survival beyond their initial five-year licence (which ends after the 2003-04 season), Turner was as upbeat as ever. "It's not an issue. We have a participation agreement which states as long as we meet the criteria, we are guaranteed a place in their [Australia's] highest competition."


Turner also shrugged off suggestions the Kingz were struggling financially and therefore in danger of failing to meet that criteria.


"Finances are always a concern and not only to the Kingz. This year has been tight and we are running the ship accordingly."


Of indications he was looking to sell the club, Turner said he would always look at any proposal from parties interested in investing in the club.


"We have been approached and if we get offers we think would be good for the club we would follow them through.


"We have two parties who are interested and we are listening to what they have to say."


Turner refused to say if the parties were from New Zealand or overseas. Of rumours that the Kingz could follow the Warriors if the latter moved to Carlaw Park, Turner said there had been no formal approach.


"We are very happy at Ericsson Stadium," he said. "We are part-way through the first year of a three-year agreement.


"But if anything comes up, we will listen."