FIFA: Meeting today in Zurich, the Organising Committee for the FIFA Club World Championship decided on the format of the tournaments planned for 2005 and 2006. This decision now needs to be ratified by the Executive Committee at its next meeting, in London on 29 February 2004.

Under the chairmanship of Viacheslav Koloskov (Russia), the committee unanimously approved the following format for 2005 and 2006:

- No. of teams: 6 - the champions of each confederation's club championship in the respective year

- No. of matches: 7

- Number of match days: 4

- Duration: 8 days

- Date: December 2005

- Host country: Japan

This competition would then incorporate the former Toyota Cup, a trophy that to date had been contested in Tokyo by the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the South American Copa Libertadores at the end of each year. With this in mind, the FIFA Club World Championship will be played at the same time of year.

The teams from Europe and South America will both be seeded and enter the championship at the semi-final stage. They will therefore each play only two matches within the space of a few days, a solution that will improve the balance in respect to the teams' long journey to and from Japan.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter commended this format not only as a solution to suit all parties, but also as "an expression of solidarity in world football".

OFC, Auckland: The Oceania Football Confederation today announced that it would commence a referee exchange programme with the Asian Football Confederation as part of the ongoing relations between the two regional organisations.

This will be effective as of the OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament which will be held in Ba, Fiji from 2-6 March 2004.

The AFC, with approval from FIFA, have supplied three women's referees and two assistant referees to team up with two OFC women's assistant referees as the official appointments for the five day tournament.

The OFC in turn will supply a team of three women match officials to officiate at the Asian Olympic Women's Football Qualifiers in Japan from 18-28 April 2004. The OFC has yet to confirm these appointments.

According to acting OFC president, Tautulu Roebeck, the initiative is a positive step forward for both confederations and would be continued again in the future.

"The exchange programme with the AFC will be beneficial for our match officials and will provide much needed exposure to a higher level of football," said Roebeck.

"We must thank the AFC and FIFA for their part in making this initiative possible and hopefully this will branch out into more opportunities."

The match official appointments for the 2004 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers are:

Referees			Assistant Referees
1. Ms ZHANG Dongqing (China PR)	1. Ms LIU Hongjuan (China)
2. Ms D'COTH Bentla (India)	2. Ms Ayukai Shiho (Japan)
3. Ms HONG Eun Ah (Korea Rep)   3. Ms PETAIA Agape (Samoa)
				4. Ms IROA Matanoanoa (Cook Islands)
Match Commissioner		Referee Inspector
Mr Lee Harmon (Cook Islands)	Mr Yves Taga (Vanuatu)

The teams competing in the OFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers are Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. For more details on the tournament including match schedule, please visit the OFC website at www.oceaniafootball.com

FIFA: The Goal Bureau convened in Zurich on 17 February 2004 under the chairmanship of Mohamed Bin Hammam (Qatar). During the meeting, which was attended by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, the Bureau approved new projects in Malaysia and Guyana as part of the FIFA development programme Goal.

The Goal Bureau also selected the following four associations for a first project:

Central and North America and Caribbean (CONCACAF): British Virgin Islands

Oceania (OFC): Australia

Europe (UEFA): San Marino, Hungary

The following member associations received the green light for second projects:

Asia (AFC): Korea DPR, Iran, Jordan

Africa (CAF): Cape Verde Islands, Lesotho, Mauritania

South America (CONMEBOL): Paraguay

Central and North America and Caribbean (CONCACAF): Bahamas, Cuba, Nicaragua

The FIFA President expressed his great satisfaction at the progress of the Goal Programme, which he had conceived personally. "I am very proud of Goal," President Blatter said. "This support for the associations has gained global recognition and not only within football circles."

The FIFA President reiterated that, thanks to Goal, each of FIFA's 204 affiliated associations would have a technical centre and its own headquarters by the end of 2006.

In the course of the 1999-2002 period - the first phase of Goal - 117 projects received funding totalling CHF 100 million. So far during the second phase, which runs from 2003 to 2006, assistance of CHF 50 million has been allocated to 50 projects. A further 62 projects are set to be implemented in the coming years.

Altogether 166 associations, including those pinpointed for aid at the meeting, have now benefited from Goal. In total, the programme has made 179 projects possible.

So far, 26,000 footballs have been distributed to 105 associations as part of the 100,000 adidas/Goal balls project. An additional 25,000 will be handed out every year from 2003 to 2006 under this initiative.

ASA: Australia proved too strong for rivals New Zealand, and DPR Korea were impressive over China, in the opening day's action of the Australia (Women's) Cup last night at Brisbane's QEII Stadium.

The new-look Matildas combination was in control of play throughout the match to record a 2-0 victory over the inexperienced New Zealand side.

The Matildas set the tone from the opening whistle, debutante Lisa De Vanna turning on the speed against the Kiwi defence, as she would continually through the match, but unsuccessful with the shot. Sarah Walsh had her attempt cleared off the line by defender Maia Jackman in the 12th minute. Dianne Alagich watched her header fly inches past the target on the quarter-hour mark, and fellow defender Karla Reuter made a foraging raid on goal.

Australia were finally rewarded with a pair of goals within a four minute spell. April Mann, the only member of the attacking prong with previous international experience, led the way with a goal in the 26th minute, chipping the goalkeeper from the edge of the 18-yard box. Walsh then scored on debut with a solo run and finish from similar distance, her drive slipping through the hands of rookie goalkeeper Jenny Bindon. De Vanna saw two opportunities come to nought in the last five minutes leading into the break.

The Matildas retained the upper hand in the second half with possession and chances, but had lost the polish displayed in the first 45 minutes. New Zealand were more effective in their play, making life harder for the home side, and holding the Australians scoreless for the remainder.

Australia put a third goal in the back of the net with around eight minutes to go, but the effort was disallowed, ruling De Vanna offside.

Of the Australian starting eleven, Walsh and De Vanna celebrated their international debut, whilst Kate McShea and Amy Taylor made their first appearance since April 2002. Coming off the bench for their debut appearance were Leah Blayney, Katie Gill, Lana Harch, plus Selin Kuralay who was a late call-up to the team following a knee injury to Bryony Duus. New Zealand started the match with five debutantes, whilst five more recorded their first cap off the bench.

Matildas National Coach Adrian Santrac was happy to kick off the tournament with a win. "It was a pleasing result in the end. Overall for where we are at the moment, there were moments of very very good football, but there were others where we need to refine. As we're building an understanding with each other, it was good to see a contribution of all the players - all eighteen got on the park, and each one contributed."

Paul Smalley, New Zealand Director of Football, was equally as pleased with his side's performance, in their view to longer term success. "I was very happy with both halves. We set ourselves some objectives for this match, and I'm extremely pleased with the performance."

In the later match tonight, DPR Korea signalled their intentions with a classy showing over a youthful China, the Koreans producing a deserved 3-0 victory.

North Korea created plenty of chances on goal throughout the Asian clash but, in the first half especially, were unable to convert that advantage onto the scoreboard. Their sharpness in passing combinations and movement off the ball made for an entertaining contest, whilst China also showed patches of promising play.

After numerous near-misses, it was in the dying minutes of the first half that DPR Korea claimed the lead, the Chinese defence relenting to the pressure and scoring an own goal.

The Koreans all but killed off any chance of a Chinese fightback with two fantastic goals early in the second half, striker Jin Pyol Hui successful in the 53rd minute, with fellow forward Yun Yong Hui taking the score to 3-0 three minutes later.

6TH AUSTRALIA CUP

18-24 February 2004

QEII Stadium, Brisbane, Australia

MATCH DAY ONE

Game One

Wednesday 18 February 2004

Result:

AUSTRALIA 2 (April Mann 26', Sarah Walsh 30')

NEW ZEALAND 0

Halftime score: 2-0

Kickoff: 5.00pm

Weather: Hot, humid, 30°C

Pitch condition: Very good flat grassy surface

Match Officials:

Referee - Jacqui Melksham, Assistant Referees - Sara Ho, Rebecca Brose, Fourth Official - Tammy Ogston

AUSTRALIA Lineup:

Cassandra Kell (GK) (Melissa Barbieri 61'), Karla Reuter (Gill Foster 46'), Dianne Alagich, Rhian Davies (Pam Grant 71'), Tal Karp (Lana Harch 70'), Sarah Walsh (Selin Kuralay 61'), Kate McShea (Leah Blayney 36'), April Mann (Katie Gill 36'), Joanne Peters (capt), Lisa De Vanna, Amy Taylor.

Unused Substitutes: nil

Cautions: De Vanna 83'

Expulsions: nil

NEW ZEALAND Lineup:

Jenny Bindon (GK) (Rachel Howard 46'), Sarah Gibbs (Brooke Rangi 46'), Priscilla Duncan, Maia Jackman, Rebecca Smith (capt) (Rebecca Sowden 46'), Hayley Moorwood, Naomi Clarke (Sara Clapham 77'), Amber Hearn, Pip Meo (Zarnia Cogle 46'), Simone Ferrara (Zoe Thompson 66'), Meisha Pyke (Rebecca Simpson 46').

Unused Substitutes: Nil

Cautions: Duncan 5'

Expulsions: nil

MATCH DAY ONE

Game Two

Wednesday 18 February 2004

Result:

CHINA 0

DPR KOREA 3 (own goal 44', Jin Pyol Hui 53', Yun Yong Hui 56')

Halftime score: 0-1

Kickoff: 7.30pm

Weather: Hot, humid, 27°C

Pitch condition:

Very good flat grassy surface

Match Officials:

Referee - Krystyna Szokolai, Assistant Referees - Michelle Treloar, Amelia Morris, Fourth Official - Tammy Ogston

CHINA Lineup:

Weng Xiaojie (GK), Gao Yan (You Jia 46'), Guo Lin, Wang Kun, Hou Iijia, Fan Tingting (Wang Yihang 46'), Xu Yuan, Wang Dandan, Liu Sa (Lou Xiaoxu 89'), Guo Yue, Sun Yongxia.

Unused Substitutes: Li Shasha, Zhang Wen, Weng Xinzhi, Hao Danyang (GK)

Cautions: Xu Yuan 37', Wang Kun 90+'

Expulsions: nil

DPR KOREA Lineup:

Ri Jong Hui (GK), Yun In Sil, Sin Kum Ok (Yang Kyong Hui 65'), Ra Mi Ae, Ri Kum Suk, Jin Pyol Hui, Yun Yong Hui (Pak Kyong Sun 65'), Jang Ok Gyong, O Kum Ran (Song Jong Sun 77'), Ri Un Gyong, Ri Hyang Ok.

Unused Substitutes:

Jon Hye Yong, Sok Chun Myong, Ho Sun Hui, Chon Kyong Hwa. (Ineligible to play - So Yong Ran, Jong Pok Sim).

Cautions: Ri Un Gyong 74'

Expulsions: nil

SUVA: The Coca-Cola/Nokia Fiji national soccer league got underway last weekend in wet conditions which dampened the official opening in Suva.

Due to the conditions only three matches were played. Suva got off to a good start with a 3-2 victory over Nasinu. The Lautoka Blue Bulls were too good for Labasa coming out 3-1 victors, while Navua showed they will be a force after thrashing Tavua 7-2.

The Fiji Football Association also announced that due to the dates for the OFC Nations Cup/World Cup Qualifiers in May-June this year, the dates for its major tournaments have been adjusted.

The Fiji FACT tournament will now take place from 11-14 June in Nadi. The Punjas Battle of the Giants will be from 30 July - 1 August with four matches played a week earlier. The showpiece of Fijian football, the annual Homecentres IDC Inter-District Championship will be from 7-11 October.

ASA: Perth Glory now have the luxury of playing their last two games in party mode after they captured Australia's National Soccer League premiership title for the third time on Wednesday night with a deserving 2-0 victory over Sydney United in humid conditions.

The Glory were on top for the whole match at Members Equity Stadium and the loss for United means they are all but out of the finals race.

Glory coach Mich d'Avray said it was the best premiership the Glory had won.

"The performance tonight was good. We lifted the tempo quite considerably and we kept the ball well", the coach said. "To me this is the best premiership the club has won when you take into account all the circumstances. There was the loss of personnel in the off-season, the heavy schedule of away games in the first round and the season-ending injuries to Matty Horsley and Scott Miller".

"But the team kept on playing and in the second half of the season, most of our games were at home. The team was under intense pressure to perform in front of their home fans, and they did. This is a fantastic achievement".

It was quite a disappointing effort from United considering they had to win the game - which was always going to be a tough ask - to play in the post-season, but they just couldn't find an identity on the pitch.

The match simply reinforced what coach Grant Lee said before the match: that they are short on depth across the park and that they are lacking two or three quality players.

United were restricted to long range efforts for the match with Anthony Doumanis, Labinot Haliti and Dean Heffernan each trying their luck from distance in the first half.

Doumanis at least offered some attacking zeal through the middle at times, but struggled when the support around him wasn't there.

United were on the back foot right from the onset, and if it wasn't for the heroics of goalkeeper Liam Reddy, the score would have been much more devastating.

In the opening 10 minutes, Reddy thwarted several crosses from wing backs Jade North and Jamie Coyne - one of the Glory's best on the night - after some promising pieces of play by the home side down the flanks.

But on 20 minutes, there was nothing he could do to stop a Damian Mori thunderbolt.

After great work by Coyne down the right, he threaded the ball to the waiting Mori in the box. After seeming to have either stumbled over the ball or faked a strike, Mori then unleashed a brilliant right-footed shot from within the box that gave Reddy no chance.

15 minutes later, Perth should have doubled their lead had it not been for Reddy's excellent reaction save.

Coyne again drifted into the box from the right and his centred ball found Bobby Despotovski just outside the six-yard-box. His first time shot from close range looked to have guaranteed him his 100th Glory goal but Reddy amazingly dived to his left to parry the ball away.

"We created a lot of chances which was good but their keeper was unbelievable and made a lot of saves. If it weren't for the keeper, it would have been a different scoreline", d'Avray said.

"(He was) excellent", Lee said of Reddy".

"Liam's been a little bit below par over the last couple of weeks and he has been relying on the defenders around him to do his job sometimes, so we had a chat about that during the week and (tonight) he just rose to the occasion. We could have been 3-0 down at half time".

Perth created chance after chance in the first half as they found plenty of room down the flanks. Adrian Caceres - who started for Brad Hassell - had an explosive opening period and with his pace, had often got the better of his older United counterparts.

But two minutes into the second half, United should have been back on level terms.

After a cross from the right, skipper Mark Rudan headed towards the goal. The effort was pushed away by keeper Jason Petkovic only as far as Mark Beldham, who then somehow flicked the rebound over the bar from point blank range.

"...If Beldham could have tucked that away, it would have put pressure on Perth to come back out and do something", Lee said.

"But we tried to keep ourselves in the game, and Liam contributed enormously to that. He had a very good game for us tonight".

Just after the hour mark, Reddy was at his best yet again.

After some excellent build-up by Perth, Gary Faria collected the ball in the semi-circle of the penalty box and laid off a short pass in the air to Despotovski, whose menacing volley was somehow pushed over the bar by Reddy.

Reddy had more than compensated for his side's lacklustre defending on the night.

But, like most good things, his domination in between the posts had to come to an end, and with it, Sydney's finals chances.

With 9 minutes left, Perth grabbed the inevitable sealer to clinch the match and top spot.

North was released by substitute Hassell down the left flank before the former squared to another replacement, Nick Mrdja, in the box.

Mrdja then struck the ball with his favoured left foot past the outstretched Reddy to cap off a memorable play for the substitutes.

D'Avray said he may look at resting a few key players from the last two matches of the season.

Lee on the other hand, was explaining why his team was not up there.

"We are, as a club at the moment, in a rebuilding phase. We have a lot of young, naïve kids in the squad, we don't have a lot of money to play with, they're all part-time footballers, and it shows", he said.

Lee went on to say that his side ran out of depth towards the end of this season and that they lacked the quality players to come off the bench and make an impact when things weren't going well for them in matches.

Meanwhile, Rudan came off on 69 minutes with a groin injury and is listed as day-to-day. - By Joseph Sapienza (ASA)

(Round 12 Deferred Fixture)

PERTH GLORY 2 (D Mori 20', N Mrdja 81')

SYDNEY UNITED 0

2003/04 NSL REVIEW, ROUND 24 Results

WOLLONGONG WOLVES 0

ADELAIDE UNITED 1 (M Brooks 80')

FOOTBALL KINGZ 2 (N Hickey 19', H Ngata 59')

SOUTH MELBOURNE 0

MARCONI STALLIONS 3 (A Brosque 23', J Harris 47'+, C Gibson 66')

SYDNEY UNITED 0

PERTH GLORY 2 (D Mori 27', A Caceres 85')

NEWCASTLE UNITED 0

NORTHERN SPIRIT 0

PARRAMATTA POWER 1 (S Petrovski 23')

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS 2 (R Vargas 27', S Oksuz 88')

BRISBANE STRIKERS 0

SYDNEY OLYMPIC - BYE

TABLE - After Round 24
 
TEAM	          P 	W 	D 	L 	B 	GF 	GA 	PTS 	
Perth Glory	  22 	17 	2 	3 	2 	50 	18 	53 	
Parramatta Power  22 	14 	3 	5 	1 	53 	28 	45  
Marconi Stallions 22 	10 	7 	5 	1 	27 	22 	37   
Adelaide United	  21 	10 	7 	4 	2 	26 	21 	37   
South Melbourne	  22 	11 	3 	8 	2 	38 	19 	36   
Brisbane Strikers 22 	9 	5 	8 	2 	25 	28 	32   
Sydney Olympic 	  22 	7 	7 	8 	2 	24 	28 	28   
Sydney United	  22 	7 	7 	8 	2 	16 	21 	28  
Newcastle United  22 	6 	6 	10 	2 	18 	28 	24 	
Wollongong Wolves 22 	6 	5 	11 	2 	30 	41 	23  
Northern Spirit	  21 	6 	3 	12 	2 	26 	31 	21  
Melbourne Knights 22 	5 	4 	13 	2 	19 	41 	19   
Football Kingz	  22 	3 	3 	16 	2 	21 	47 	12	

ASA: Australia secured a historic result with their 1-1 draw against Venezuela in the friendly international played today. The 'Socceroos', who were only denied a win by a 92nd minute injury time equaliser, have never previously drawn or won against South American opposition in South America.

Paul Agostino scored for the Socceroos in the 18th minute in what was his first appearance in a national team shirt since appearing for Australia in the World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in Montevideo in November 2001.

Venezuela are currently lying fifth in the South American World Cup qualifying tournament and have suffered only one defeat in their past 13 home international matches.

The winner of the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament will meet the fifth-placed South American team in late 2005 for the right to play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

MATCH STATISTICS

Venezuela 1 (Juan Arango 92')

Australia 1 (Paul Agostino 18')

Australia line-up - Mark Schwarzer; Kevin Muscat, Craig Moore (c), Tony Popovic, Lucas Neill; Mile Sterjovski (Steve Laybutt 92'), Simon Colosimo, Marco Bresciano, Stan Lazaridis (Ahmad Elrich 28'); David Zdrilic (Nick Carle 83'), Paul Agostino (Tony Vidmar 62')

Cautions: Colosimo 19', Neill 35', Muscat 54'

Referee: J Ruiz (Colombia)

Auckland, 14 February 2004: The Oceania Football Confederation would like to announce the resignation of long serving General Secretary, Ms Josephine King, who advised at today's meeting of the OFC executive committee in Auckland that she would be stepping down.

Ms King will now help ease the transition of her departure by remaining in an advisory role over the following weeks before her resignation becomes effective.

Ms King felt the timing of her resignation was right and will now move on to new challenges. She is also looking forward to spending more time with her family who have taken a secondary role since she came into the position in 1987.

"After 17 years in the job it was time for a change both personally and for the organisation," said Ms King.

"It will be a good opportunity for fresh blood to come into the position and take the management of OFC in a new direction."

Ms King says she has enjoyed her time working with the OFC and was proud of her contribution to the development of the game over the years.

"It has been a wonderful and unique experience for me," she remarked.

"There have been many changes over the years and it is satisfying to see progress that has been made in the various member countries."

On behalf of the OFC executive committee, acting president Mr Tautulu Roebeck paid tribute to Ms King for her years of service.

"Ms King has made a vital contribution to the confederation which we are all grateful for so we wish her well in her future endeavours," said Mr Roebeck.

The OFC Development Manager, Mr Tai Nicholas, was named as acting General Secretary until a permanent appointment is made at the next OFC executive committee meeting which follows the 18th Ordinary Congress in Auckland, New Zealand on 20 March 2004.

ASA: Adelaide United can jump into third spot on Australia's NSL competition ladder tonight, if it can beat a Wollongong Wolves side at WIN Stadium that now has no mathematical chance of qualifying for the championship series.

John Kosmina's United have shouldered the burden of their heavy schedule well in recent weeks, losing just twice in seven games since the New Year. A win tonight will jump them a point ahead of South Melbourne and add further credibility to Kosmina's statement earlier this week that his team can go all the way to the grand final.

Most impressive was their 4-3 win away to the Melbourne Knights last Sunday which was played less than 48 hours after a hard fought win over South Melbourne at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Adrian Pellegrino is the only omission from last weekend's team, with Ross Aloisi (pictured above right) in doubt due to a broken thumb suffered in the opening minutes against South Melbourne on Friday.

As a precaution, Kosmina has called in Shane Thompson and Aaron Westervelt as replacements.

United's away form has been mediocre in their debut season, with a 2-1 upset over the Parramatta Power at Parramatta Stadium definitely a standout.

They will go into tonight's match as favourites, but not overtly, given the Wolves recent tenacious performances.

Although without a point in their past four matches, Wollongong have shown the heart that saw them rise from wooden spoon favourites to top six contenders, in losses to title candidates Perth Glory and Parramatta Power away from home.

In what is possibly their penultimate home match, the Wolves will be out to give their home fans something to remember as their eventful season winds down.

Turner has named an unchanged squad from last weeks away loss to the Glory, with midfielder Stewart Van Bentum remaining the only player missing due to injury.

The last, and only, previous encounter between the two sides saw an entertaining 2-2 draw eventuate at Hindmarsh Stadium.

In front of nearly 10 000 supporters in Adelaide, a last minute strike to Ben Blake sealed a point for the Wolves who were right in the middle of a purple patch that saw them rise as high as seventh place mid season.

A similar result tonight will be of little use to either side, so fans can expect an open game of enterprising football. - By Ben Coonan

NSL: Round 23 Results

ADELAIDE UNITED 2 (N Budin 6', R Aloisi 31')

SOUTH MELBOURNE 0

MARCONI STALLIONS 2 (C Gibson 31', N Carle 61')

FOOTBALL KINGZ 1 (P Harries 92')

PERTH GLORY 2 (B Despotovski 33', D Mori 62')

WOLLONGONG WOLVES 0

SYDNEY OLYMPIC 2 (P Cardozo 72', 79')

NEWCASTLE UNITED 0

(Round 3 deferred match)

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS 3 (D Vasilevski 53', N Marinos 57', 90')

ADELAIDE UNITED 4 (R Alagich 47'+, R Aloisi 62', M Brooks 65', C Veart 83')

SYDNEY UNITED 0

NORTHERN SPIRIT 0

PARRAMATTA POWER 3 (A Milicic 12', 37', L Pantelis 47')

BRISBANE STRIKERS 2 (S Fitzsimmons 56', J Rose 81')

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS - BYE

(Round 18 Deferred Match)

MARCONI STALLIONS 1 (N Carle 79' pen)

SYDNEY OLYMPIC 0

TABLE - After Round 23
TEAM			P	W	D	L	B	GF	GA	PTS
Perth Glory		20	15	2	3	2	46	18	47
Parramatta Power		21	13	3	5	1	52	28	42
South Melbourne		20	11	3	6	2	38	16	36
Adelaide United		20	9	7	4	2	25	21	34
Brisbane Strikers		21	9	5	7	2	25	26	32
Marconi Stallions		20	8	7	5	1	23	22	31
Sydney United		20	7	7	6	2	16	16	28
Sydney Olympic 		22	7	7	8	1	24	28	28
Newcastle United		21	6	6	9	2	18	26	24
Wollongong Wolves	21	6	5	10	2	30	40	23
Northern Spirit		20	6	3	11	2	26	30	21
Melbourne Knights	21	4	4	13	2	17	41	16
Football Kingz		21	2	3	16	2	19	47	9

PAPEETE: AS Venus, the glamour club in Tahiti's Federal Championship and one of most successful ever are in danger of relegation after being hammered 1-6 by league leaders and rivals Pirae last weekend. That loss plunged them to second from the bottom on the points ladder.

The decline of Venus as a powerbroker in the Tahitian club ranks started with the departure of key players last season in Samuel Garcia and striker Felix Tagawa, who are seasoned internationals. Garcia went to France while Tagawa went to Australia for an unsuccessful stint with NSL club Brisbane Strikers.

Tagawa, one of Tahiti's most prolific strikers at both international and club level, returned to Tahiti but joined the Dragon club which is currently fifth. His goalscoring form has been disappointing this season with only three goals though his season has been disrupted by injury.

Venus also suffered with the death late last year of inspirational wing back Steeve Fatipua-Cahill. The premier team is almost now almost devoid of game breakers and finishers.

The Federal Championship heads soon into its top four playoffs and Venus will be left to fight for its existence in the bottom four promotion/relegation series. Other teams in the bottom bracket include Dragon, PTT and Arue.

Pirae, Tefana and Tamarii Faa'a are almost assured of their spots in the top three. And reigning Polynesian Cup champion

Manu Ura is also unlikely to be unseated in fourth spot. Fifth placed Dragon is seven points adrift from the top three. However, their 2-0 win over PTT in round 14 action last weekend increased their chances. Tamarii Faa'a thrashed cellar-dwellars Arue 9-0 while in the final round match, Tefana beat Manu Ura 2-0.

Tahitian international Naea Bennett has been in hot goalscoring form during the 2003-04 season and leads the pack with 19 goals. He has spearheaded the potent Pirae attack which has scored 55 goals in 14 matches. Pirae's defence has also led the way with only five goals conceded.

*In other news, the new Tahitian national coach Gérard Kautai will lead a trial national team against a selection of Tahitian based New Caledonian players in a friendly match on 20 February at the Pater Stadium. This trial national team will form the basis of the final squad to compete at the OFC Nations Cup-World Cup qualifiers in May.

Round 14 results

Dragon-PTT 2-0

Vénus-Pirae 1-6

Arue-Tamari Faa¹a 0-9

Manu Ura-Tefana 0-2

Points Ladder

Teams    	Pts    P    W    D    L    F     A    Diff
1. Pirae    	49    14    11   2    1    55    5    +50
2. Tefana    	44    14    8    4    2    26    5    +21
3. Tam. Faa¹a   41    14    9    0    5    28    18   +10
4. Manu Ura    	38    14    7    3    4    40    11   +29
-----------------------------------------------------------
5. Dragon    	31    14    5    2    7    21    31   -10
6. PTT    	27    14    4    1    9    21    29    -8
7. Vénus    	27    14    3    4    7    16    27   -11
8. Arue    	15    14    0    1    13    7    88   -81
Top goal scorers:
19: Naea Bennett (Pirae)
13: Ramon Djamali (Manu Ura), José Hmae (Pirae)
11: Patrick Diaike (Manu Ura), Michel Hmae (Tamarii Faa¹a)
10: Patrick Tereroa (Tam. Faa¹a)
8: Gabriel Wajoka (PTT), Elmour Wabealo (Tefana)
6: Raimoana Bennett (Pirae).
5: Laurent Canhemez (Vénus), Joseph Luenu (Dragon)
4: Angelo Utia (Vénus), Franck Papaura (Manu Ura), Joan Petillon (Tefana)