Fifa congress heads to Africa

2005-09-09 21:46

Morocco - Fifa's annual congress comes to Africa for the first time with multi ownership of clubs, homegrown players and match-fixing on the agenda.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is pushing for all clubs to field at least six homegrown players. He says the richest clubs are buying the top talent, with homegrown players left on the bench.

Blatter is pushing a so-called "six-plus-five" solution, which would require six players on every club who are also eligible to play for the national team.

Opposition is likely to come from the 25-member European Union, which opposes limits on overseas players because it conflicts with freedom labor movement.

Clubs inside the EU that adopt Blatter's idea are almost certain to face legal action.

Ahead of the 2006 World Cup, Fifa is debating whether betting on soccer matches should be banned in light of a match-fixing scandal in Germany.

Berlin prosecutors

Prosecutors in Berlin are investigating 25 people - including four referees and 14 players - suspected of fixing at least 10 games, mostly in lower divisions.

Congress will also consider a proposal from the Swiss FA, under which a player could change countries only up to his 18th birthday. The rule is now 21.

On Saturday, Fifa's executive committee meets to discuss preparations for the 2006 World Cup and hear South Africa's plans for hosting the 2010 tournament.

The status of member associations Yemen and Barbados - both suspended -will be reviewed and membership bids from East Timor and Comoros Islands considered.

Meanwhile, Australia finds out on Saturday whether it will begin its two-leg playoff for the 2006 World Cup finals at home or away.

Australia, which is in the Oceania region, will face the fifth-place team from the South American zone with the winner booking a place in Germany.

Fifa general secretary Urs Linsi will also make the draw for the playoff between the fourth-place finisher in the Concacaf group and the eventual winners of the Asian playoff.

Both final qualifiers will take place on November 12 and 16.

From the Asian zone, either Uzbekistan or Bahrain will go into the decider.

The first leg of their playoff, won by Uzbekistan 1-0, was declared void after Fifa deemed the referee had made a technical error in awarding Bahrain a free kick rather than allow Uzbekistan to retake a penalty following an encroachment.

The two legs are now scheduled for October 8 and October 12.

- AP