AFC slams claims Australia to be kicked out
Simon Hill discusses Australia's future in Asia, and the Socceroos' chances in the Asian Cup final. Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa has rubbished claimed the AFC wants to expel Australia. Source: Getty Images A SHOCKED Asian football chief has savaged claims on the eve of the Asian Cup final that the Confederation wants to expel Australia. "Stunned" Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa has backed Australia's membership, and told the Herald Sun that alleged comments to the contrary were "manipulated". Sheikh Salman praised Australia for putting on a wonderful Asian Cup and said the focus should be on Saturday night's final between Australia and South Korea, which will attract 80,000 fans and a global TV audience of 80 million. Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan says he isn't nervous ahead of the Asian Cup Final and is hoping the Socceroos can pull off a fairytale ending to the tournament "I'm really stunned with the timing to bring this topic out. It's a false topic,'' Sheikh Salman told the Herald Sun. "To read a story like this is really sad because there's no truth in it. "The success of this tournament has exceeded our expectations. I won't let a story like this affect the success of the tournament we had in Australia. "We have to put this record straight. It's been manipulated in a way to make it negative." Tim Cahill says coming into the Asian Cup final Australia are better prepared mentally and physically than four years ago, with the Socceroos superstar putting it all down to coach Ange Postecoglou Sheikh Salman conceded that some Asian nations were sceptical about Australia's entry into the AFC in 2006, but said it was an old story. Fairfax newspapers quoted Salman telling Dubai-based newspaper Al-Ittihad that "Arabs are not the only ones" looking to exclude Australia. But Sheikh Salman said the Asian Cup proved that Australia has contributed to the world's biggest Confederation.
Attendances at the Asian Cup have proven how successful Australia can be for the AFC. Source: AP "Australia is a full member of the Confederation. After this tournament if there is some doubt about Australia coming into this Confederation, I think it showed how big a success this has been. "It's been a great tournament and it's thanks to Australia, the FFA and the Local Organising Committee. "It's not a new story, it's been around for some time. We all know that some member associations doubted whether Australia coming into the Confederation was good or bad.'' http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/afc-chief-rubbishes-claims-australia-could-be-expelled-fr om-the-confederation/story-fnqk652h-1227202241258?from=herald+sun_rss