PORT VILA: The Vanuatu club champions Tafea FC did not even break a sweat as they carried away the season opening Sunrice Cup after finalist Shepherds United were unable to pay an outstanding fine enforced by the Port Vila Football League a day before the final last weekend.

The fine arose from their semi-final win over Yatel while Tafea easily overcame tournament surprise packets Erakor in their semi tie.

After watching Golden Star beat Ifira for the U-20 Sunrice opening Cup in a penalty shoot out, the packed in spectators at Port Vila municipal stadium were told there would not be a final as the game had been forfeited and the Cup handed to Tafea.

SYDNEY: By Scott Kidson - The Australian futsal squad has overcome Friday's disappointing 9-1 loss to record a 4-2 victory last Saturday night in their return match against Japan at Dural Sport and Leisure Centre.

Both sides moved around the court well early with the Japanese trying to penetrate directly through the centre of the court.

After failing with a similar structure the night before, the Australians used more width in attack. But it was a ball through the middle from Damian Pilat to Luke Haydon that almost reaped an early reward.

Haydon neatly turned his marker but couldn't connect cleanly with the shot which Japan's goalkeeper Hisamitsu Kawahara saved easily.

Possibly the game's biggest event came after only seven minutes. Japan's captain Takaaki Itchihara was helped from the court after dislocating his left elbow in a goal mouth scramble.

Peter Spathis was working overtime in the Australian net. Two saves during the play leading to Itchihara's injury, then a great one-on-one save to Yuki Kanayama kept the Japanese scoreless.

Using the right flank, Adrian Vizzari found Simon Keith who fired off a shot which could only be parried for a corner by Kawahara.

When Vizzari was fouled during the next play, Australian captain and dead ball exponent Brett Hewit stood over the kick. His low blast rounded the wall leaving Kawahara little time to react. The Japanese custodian got across to the shot but the ball slipped under his body to give the Australians first blood.

Vizzari was in the thick of the action again seconds later for all the wrong reasons, swinging late at a high ball and collecting a defender. Referee Lyle Hudson cautioned the Australian firebrand.

Kanayama launched a strong attack for Japan down the right, cutting the ball back to Osamu Nambata at the top of the "D". His shot beat Spathis, but passed wide of the target.

Coach Scott Gilligan toyed with combinations sending Angelo Konstantinou on for Spathis after thirteen minutes.

The ACT captain and goalkeeper was immediately entangled in a mix-up with Keith.

Konstantinou moved in to clear a loose ball during a Japanese raid, but Keith was also headed to relieve the danger. The two collided as the clearance rebounded of a Japanese attacker, but a returning Pilat cleared.

With less than five minutes left in the first half, the play shifted to the other end. Haydon producing a lovely rollover to beat his man, only to have his shot go wide as the Japanese cover arrived in numbers.

Kenichiro Kogure's influence started to pervade the game in the minutes before the break. The Japanese target first produced a strike which Konstantinou could only block away. Moments later he tried a cheeky chip which Konstantinou batted down before having to stop a second shot from the Japanese target man.

Australia went into the break leading by a goal, but neither side was dominating.

The second half started brightly for Japan who thought they had scored just seconds after the restart. A worked moved from a kick-in ended with Fujii shooting inside the right post, but the goal was disallowed as Hudson correctly spotted a handball in the lead up.

At the other end 16-year-old debutant Danny Ngulase laid a sweet diagonal ball to Andrew Nolan who cut the ball to the back post for Hewit, but the Australian skipper changed his run at the last moment, leaving the ball to pass harmlessly over the by-line.

Kawahara mixed up Japan's offence, ranging forward as the Australian defence waited for the pass. With no immediate threat the `keeper carried the ball past half way before launching a shot that cleared the crossbar by millimetres.

But from the restart the Aussie `keeper launched his own attack with smart throw finding Ngaluse open in the forward court and Japan missing in defence.

Fujii used a hand in breaking up the attack, gifting the locals a free kick from ten out.

Andrew Nolan fired the free kick square to Pilat who first timed it to Ngaluse on the back post. The debutant beat Kawahara to double the lead.

Kogure tried tirelessly to turn the game for the tourists. With the ball at his feet, he turned and beat both a defender and Konstantinou only to see his shot glide across the face of goal.

A minute later the scheming Ricardo Higa played a ball down the line for Kogure who drew a great save from the Australian custodian.

As the intensity increased, Haydon's tired challenge earned Australia's second yellow card but the visitors also headed into foul trouble chalking up their fifth with fourteen minutes remaining.

Two minutes later, the home team had their first "second penalty". Vizzari duly thundered the 10 metre spot kick into the bottom right corner. Another foul followed but Vizzari pushed the second shot left staying the lead at three.

Ngaluse continued to impress, driving a shot from 12 metres that Kawahara got a hand to but couldn't stop. The ball rattled off the post before being cleared.

Damian Pilot was next to pounce, intercepting Nambata's square ball and firing off a shot which Kawahara saved well quickly moving Japan into counter-attack. Gavin O'Brien who had come on for Konstantinou raced to the edge of his area to make a great save at the feet of Kogure and kill the raid.

The frustration continued for Kogure who after a beautiful run along the left touchline saw his shot parried by O'Brien and drop to Fujii. The stand-in captain rushed a strike over the unattended net from 14 metres as the defence closed.

Australia hit five fouls with over eight minutes remaining. With the clock running only while the ball is in play, there was more than enough time for either side to take the game.

Patrick Suriano's first touch saw him stripped, and when the ball fell to Kogure, the industrious front man was finally rewarded for his skill.

With sleight of foot, the number 10 left two Australian defenders on the floor before lifting the ball over the stranded O'Brien and reducing the deficit to two goals.

Rob Porritt called a foul when Keith stopped short of an advancing Kawahara. The Japanese custodian cleared the ball but ended up going over the top of the Australian flanker.

Ten metre specialist Yoshifumu Maeda came on court but sent the "second penalty" too far right. But Maeda was given a chance to redeem himself shortly after when Suriano was questionably called for a push on Fujii.

Maeda's second effort was much better, but O'Brien was up to the challenge superbly pulling the ball down low and left.

Then against the run of play, Hewit snatched the ball mid-court, drew the last defender and distributed to Pilat. With the captain closing on the back post, Pilat ignored the pass option to beat Kawahara with a thumping low drive.

The 4-1 lead seemed insurmountable with only two minutes remaining.

Japan managed a consolation goal just seconds before the end. After Kogure seemed to handle at the top of the "D", Marty Calvert was called for the same foul although the ball appeared to hit the target high on the chest.

Nambata dutifully converted the spot kick from 6 metres to conclude the scoring.

Australia 4 - Hewit (10), Ngaluse (25), Vizzari (28), Pilat (38)

Japan 1 - Kogure (33), Nambata (40)

Yellow Cards: Vizzari (AUS), Haydon (AUS)

Referees: Rob Porritt (FIFA) and Lyle Hudson (FIFA)

3rd Official: Adrian Tamplin (FIFA)

Timekeeper: Tony Chan

ASA: Twenty-five of the country's best female youth players will assemble at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra in early April, all vying for a berth in the Australian U-19 Team (the 'Young Matildas ') to contest the 2004 Oceania U-19 Women's Qualifying Tournament in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on 20-24 April.

National Women's Coach Adrian Santrac will utilise the Young Matildas Squad Camp for both the finalisation of team selections and lead-in preparation for the qualifying event, the winner of which qualifies for the 2nd FIFA U19 Women's World Championship to be staged in Thailand this November.

Several days into the two-week camp, scheduled for 5-18 April, the squad will be cut and the Young Matildas Team announced. The team will then depart for Papua New Guinea on 19 April.

Two of the squad - Leah Blayney and Selin Kuralay - have already represented their country at full senior level, having celebrated their international debut for the Matildas at last month's Australia Cup in Brisbane, and then travelling to Fiji to help the Matildas qualify for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Kuralay is also one of four in the squad - along with Elissia Canham, Catherine Cannuli, and Emma Davison - who were members of the 2002 U19 World Championship side. The remainder of the players are aiming for their first ever taste of international football.

All but four of the players participated in January's thirty-player National Youth Selection Camp at the AIS. Christina Papageorgiou was named for the camp but did not attend due to injury, whilst Nenita Burgess, Kim Carroll, and Kara Mowbray gain their first opportunity under Santrac.

"Most of these players are coming back for a second look, some for the first time, and they all have the opportunity to be selected for the qualifiers with the expectation that we'll qualify for the youth world cup in Thailand," said Santrac. "The first component of this camp by necessity has to be quick in terms of selecting the final squad. Once that's done, we'll be going into overdrive with developing our understanding, building on the tactical component from the previous camp. We'll be focusing very strongly on tactics and everyone's roles in order that by the first game, we'll be ready for the opposition."

Three nations will contest the 2004 OFC U19 Women's Qualifying Tournament to be held 20-24 April, Australia kicking off its campaign on 22 April against Solomon Islands, followed by their match against hosts Papua New Guinea on 24 April.

The Young Matildas were successful in the inaugural U-19 qualifiers in 2002 in Tonga, defeating New Zealand in the final of the seven-team event. Australia went on to finish an impressive 5th at the 2002 FIFA U19 Women's World Championship in Canada, after going down in extra-time of their quarterfinal match against Brazil.

SQUAD LIST - YOUNG MATILDAS SQUAD CAMP, APRIL 2004 :

Players (25) : State (current residence) Hometown Pos DOB

Julia BAZI NSW Sydney D 20/10/85

Ellen BEAUMONT QLD Brisbane D 14/07/85

Leah BLAYNEY NSW Blue Mountains M 28/10/86

Nenita BURGESS SA Adelaide M 29/09/85

Elissia CANHAM QLD Brisbane D 29/04/85

Catherine CANNULI NSW Sydney F 03/03/86

Kim CARROLL QLD Tully D 02/09/87

Renee CARTWRIGHT NSW Crookwell F 03/02/86

Amy CHAPMAN ACT Albury F 12/02/87

Lauren COLTHORPE NNSW Newcastle M 25/10/85

Emma DAVISON QLD Sydney D 04/05/85

Yasmin FAVRETTI NSW Sydney GK 12/12/85

Katie HILDER NSW Sydney F 25/03/85

Briony HOLCOMBE NSW Central Coast M 27/02/86

Leena KHAMIS NSW Sydney F 19/06/86

Selin KURALAY QLD Melbourne F 25/01/85

Kylie LEDBROOK NSW Sydney M 20/03/86

Alison LOGUE NNSW Newcastle GK 06/03/87

Cian MACIEJEWSKI ACT Ulladulla D 14/06/87

Kara MOWBRAY QLD Brisbane D 07/05/85

Claire O'SHEA VIC Bendigo GK 02/12/85

Christina PAPAGEORGIOU SA Adelaide M 06/05/85

Alannah REED QLD Cairns F 28/01/88

Sally SHIPARD NSW Wagga Wagga M 20/10/87

Jenna TRISTRAM NNSW Coffs Harbour F 28/10/86

HONIARA: By PRIESTLEY HABRU - JP Su'uria extended its lead in the `S' League table tally when they defeated a determined Agfa Hana side 3-0 at Lawson Tama Stadium. Two goals from captain Commins Menapi and a magical goal from veteran international Batram Suri was enough to extend JP Su'uria's winning streak.

Agfa Hana had few chances but were either wasted or lacked the finishing power from their strikers. Cliff Omari who played behind Stanley Waita and Duddley Seda had an early good ball from the left side.

Three corners by Agfa were also never utilised as JP's

Leslie Leo, Nelson Sale and Derick Taebo held the defensive line after some early pressure from the Agfa team. By PRIESTLEY HABRU

(read full story on the Solomon Islands website - just click to the SIFF link on the homepage)

SYDNEY: By Benjamin Coonan - The week ending the 21st of March was a most successful one at all of the Islanders playing abroad in Australia's state leagues.

A clean sheet from Samoan goalkeeper Pasi Schwalger helped Preston Lions maintain their six game unbeaten streak, as they accounted for Essendon Royals 1-0 away from home.

The Lions currently sit in first place after six rounds of the VPL, two points ahead of this weekend's opponent Bullen Zebras, who they will face in front of what is expected to be a large turnout at Preston's Flying Lions Stadium.

Schwalger's clean sheet was his second in succession and fourth of the campaign. A positive sign for Samoan coach David Brand ahead of May's World Cup Qualifiers.

Further north and there was more good news for Vanuatuan pair Etienne Mermer and Richard Iwai at Mitchelton SC.

Mitchie came up trumps 1-0 away to Souths United with a goal from Mermer proving to be the difference.

The win was Mitchie's second on the trot and saw them move to fifth place with seven points.

This Saturday, Mitchelton face fourth placed Brisbane City at home in what is effectively a six pointer, given that the sides are currently separated only by goal difference.

PAPEETE: Pirae took a giant step towards securing the defence of its championship title with a closely fought 1-0 win over rivals Tefana last weekend. Hungry to avenge their defeat to Tefana in the last meeting of the two teams in the Tahiti Cup final, Pirae got the points and now head the top four pack by three points ahead of round 3 this week.

Manu Ura also kept itself in the hunt with a commanding 5-1 win over hapless Tamarii Faa'a with marksman Ramon Djamali to the fore with a hat-trick of goals. The win propels Manu Ura to second place on the ladder on goal difference ahead of Tefana who beat them in the first round of the playoffs.

Tamarii Faa'a languishes at the bottom without a win but will look to redress that anomaly when they take on Tefana this week while Pirae faces a tough challenge against Manu Ura. With the cream of the Tahitian national squad spread amongst the four teams, the players will all be hoping to perform at their maximum over the remaining rounds with national team selection looming ahead of the OFC Nations Cup/World Cup qualifiers in May.

Tahiti Championship playoffs

Results:

Week 2

Pirae-Tefana 1-0

Manu Ura-Tamarii Faa¹a 5-1

Points ladder (top four)

Teams Pts P W D L F A Diff

1. Pirae 8 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4

2. Manu Ura 5 2 1 0 1 5 2 +3

3. Tefana 5 2 1 0 1 1 1 0

4. Tam. Faa¹a 2 2 0 0 2 2 9 -7

Key: win 4 pts, draw 2 pts, defeat 1 pt.

Round 3 draw

Pirae-Manu Ura

Tamarii Faa¹a-Tefana

Round 4 draw

Pirae-Tamarii Faa¹a

Manu Ura-Tefana

Tahiti Championship - promotion/relegation

Results:

Week 2

Vénus-Arue 7-0

Dragon-PTT 3-0

Round 3 draw

Arue-Dragon

Vénus-PTT

Round 4 draw

Arue-PTT

Dragon-Vénus

Points Table (Promotion/relegation)

Teams Pts P W D L F A Diff

1. Vénus 8 2 2 0 0 8 0 +8

2. Dragon 5 2 1 0 1 3 1 +2

3. PTT 5 2 1 0 1 2 4 -2

4. Arue 2 2 0 0 2 1 9 -8

SFSF: Newly promoted Moamoa took on the might of Sogi in the GM Bakery Cup last weekend in round 3 action and for ¾ of the match they gave as much as they got. Sogi faced a determined Moamoa outfit looking to cause the first big upset of the season and in an entertaining opening period, they matched the Cup holders stride for stride.

In an end to end encounter both sides missed good opportunities but Setufanu and Tokuma in the Moamoa and Sogi goals respectively kept a clean sheet until right on half time. In a typical Sogi fast break the ball finally found Lene who unleashed an unstoppable right foot shot from just outside of the penalty area as he bore in on the right side. 1-0 to Sogi at the break and an exciting 2nd half looked in store, but this was not to be.

Moamoa were keeping Sogi danger man Ben Timo in check in the 2nd half, but numerous stoppages for niggling little injuries started to break up the flow and rhythm of the game. Moamoa lost midfield dynamo Manu and the tide started to turn in Sogi's favour. Moamoa pushed players forward in an effort to snatch an equaliser, which naturally left them short at the back on numerous occasions. Ben Timo twice hit the woodwork when scoring seemed easier. Lene conjured up the miss of the match when he completely missed the target, with an open goal at his mercy, for Timo to blaze over the subsequent rebound, when a clinical finish was needed.

The game eventually finished with Moamoa running out of ideas but they will take this performance as a positive and into the regular season no doubt full of confidence that they can compete at this level once again.

Lupe ole Soaga were due to face Strickland Brothers Lepea, but the game ended in a walkover, following the none appearance of the Reds. The choice between rugby and soccer at the Lepea club is now most certainly an issue and information received points towards this. Not a satisfactory outcome for soccer, when other teams wishing to play, cannot.

Moataa met fellow strugglers Vaivasetai with both teams looking to improve on last week's performance. Once again a disappointing game with Moataa running out 2-1 winners against a depleted Vaivasetai who seem to be a shade of the side from last year.

In the other game completed, Kiwi retained the Ladies Cup with a 1-0 victory over new comers Carlton. Despite the majority of possession and numerous chances, Kiwi failed to convert their superiority, but finally overcame the gallant Carlton side, with a late goal to run out victors.

Torrential overnight rain washed out games on the top, field much to the disappointment of National Coach David Brand, whose Manumea side were denied their game against Sinamoga, at a crucial time in the squad's preparation. With the naming of the final squad just over a week away this was a huge dent in the teams selection process and the opportunity for players to impress. At the end of the day he was certainly an unhappy man.

"Look we cannot do anything about the weather and yes teams in the past have failed to appear, but I have to be honest and say that I am most frustrated that Lepea did not turn up. I feel for Lupe as well, after looking forward to and preparing all week for the game. Then there is money they have wasted today, including loss of wages for players. Lets also not forget the other sides, which could not play due to the weather and financial losses for the federation. For me there is no excuse for not notifying the federation that your team is unavailable. Fixtures could have been rearranged to make the most of the weather condition's much to the satisfaction of many supporters and teams, but no opportunity was given and the National team is one of many to suffer," he said.

Brand nevertheless was full of praise for the Tuanaimato staff with the following comments.

" The International field was in superb condition once again, with games scheduled to start on time. The ground staff must be congratulated on the work they do to maintain the fields in such magnificent condition. The volume of rain overnight was tremendous but the drainage on the No 1 field once again held up. I am certainly appreciative of their efforts which makes training and playing at Tuanaimato a pleasure."

SAMOA FOOTBALL SOCCER FEDERATION

G.M.BAKERY LTD CUP

ROUND 3 RESULTS

SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2004

TOLEAFOA JS BLATTER SOCCER COMPLEX TUANAIMATO

FIELD NO1

10.00am Lupe ole Soaga WBD vs Lepea Men

11.45am Moataa 2 vs 1 Vaivasetai Men

1.20pm Kiwi 1 vs 0 Carlton Ladies Cup

3.00pm Gold Star Sogi 1 vs 0 Moamoa Men Cup

FFA: Ba and Rewa have surpassed Lautoka at the top of the National Soccer League points table after big wins in the weekend. Rewa defeating a spirited Nadroga side 2-0 while Ba annihilated Tavua 8-0.

Ba, with a better goal average has solidified the top spot.

The onslaught by the men in black from Ba began in the 18th minute when a pass from Josaia Bukalidi allowed national mid-fielder Salesh Kumar to score the first goal. Ba led the disorganised Tavua 5-0 at the break after Kumar, Bukalidi and Shalend Lal all featured prominently.

At Lawaqa Park, a youthful Stallions outfit held off a resurgent Rewan side until well into the last quarter. The Nadroga management heaped praises on their young players, some of whom were playing their first game for Nadroga.

At Thompson Park, Nasinu managed what most other teams could not when it draw with Navua 1-1 and returned home with a point.

Suva was outclassed at home as Nadi thumped the Whites 4-0 at the National Stadium.

Both sides had match to adjust their game play to the wet pitch and the first half started evenly with strong defence from both sides. Ovini Duguca scored Nadi's first goal from a defensive blunder in Suva's penalty box.

Nadi went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Nadi returned strong in the second half with it's second goal from national rep Veresa Toma. Nadi's third goal of the night came from Thomas Robert, minutes from restart after Toma's goal.

Toma ended Suva's night with a classic power goal to end the end the match 4-0.

Weekend scores:

Ba 4-0 Nadi

Lautoka 3-2 Nadroga

Suva 2-0 Navua

Rewa 3-2 Nasinu

ASA: The Australian Soccer Association (ASA) announced today that it has formed a significant new partnership with Nike, which will have a positive impact on the future of soccer in Australia.

As the new official supplier of apparel, footwear and ball to ASA, Nike will provide all the national soccer teams with the most innovative product on the market.

ASA Chief Executive John O'Neill was delighted with the partnership agreement reached with leading sportswear giant Nike, highlighting the close association of Nike with the global soccer world.

"ASA is proud to announce today that we have secured Nike as our official supplier of apparel, footwear and ball to all our national soccer teams, both men's and women's," said John O'Neill.

"As we begin to re-vitalise our organisation to lead the whole of soccer in Australia and help the Socceroos qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006, it is appropriate that we establish strategic partnerships with leading global companies, especially when they are so closely associated with our sport around the world, with some of the most famous soccer countries and clubs.

"ASA will continue to look at ways of capitalising on commercial opportunities that will help us grow soccer within Australia, both at the elite level through all our national teams and via the burgeoning grassroots numbers, and with Nike now on board we can work closely together to further develop initiatives and programs to help us achieve our goals," said Mr O'Neill.

Nike Pacific Managing Director Tony Balfour said: "This is an era of change which Nike is excited to be a part of. We have been keen to have an association with soccer in Australia due to our global commitment to the game and the enormous popularity of the sport at a grassroots level.

"The opportunity arose and the timing is perfect for us to help the game fulfil its potential in Australia. This partnership is significantly more than a traditional sponsorship arrangement. Nike and Australian Soccer will be working with a shared sense of purpose and a united vision for the game which includes the development of a grassroots program.

"That said Nike will play a significant role in giving coach Frank Farina and the Socceroos the best opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in 2006 by providing the team with a new line of footwear and apparel to give players an on-field advantage."

Development of the Socceroos playing strip is well underway and is due to be launched mid-year. The first on-field Nike presence will be 30 March 2004 when the Socceroos play South Africa in London.

Australia national soccer teams will join an illustrious group of Nike teams, including World Champions Brazil, English Champions Manchester United, Premiership giants Arsenal, Spanish legends Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan of the Italian Serie A, and European glamour team Holland. They also join an emerging powerhouse of soccer nations including the USA and Korea.

ASA: The chairman of the Australian Soccer Association (ASA), Mr Frank Lowy and Chief Executive, Mr John O'Neill, have today announced a number of significant initiatives for soccer in Australia.

The Socceroos will play in Australia for the first time in nearly three years, when they take on 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist Turkey at Aussie Stadium in Sydney on Friday 21 May and at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne on Monday 24 May. Turkey, ranked number 9 in the world just behind England & Argentina but ahead of Germany & Italy, will face the Socceroos prior to the critical stage 2 of the OFC World Cup qualifiers to be held in Australia between 28 May and 6 June 2004.

Following the two-match test series against Turkey, the Socceroos will take on the OFC's best nations, as the top-two teams then qualify for the final phase of OFC World Cup qualifying in September 2005, with the OFC winner then playing-off against the fifth-placed CONMEBOL team in November 2005.

The new national competition will start in 2005 with eight teams - one team each from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Newcastle and New Zealand (Auckland), with the final team to be selected from the remaining expressions of interest. The Expressions of Interest document for the new competition will be released by ASA in mid-April, with the submission period open for six weeks until the end of May, followed by an evaluation period of a further six weeks before the eight teams are announced in mid-July.

Whilst the formal commencement of the new national competition will be July/August 2005, there will be a `soft' opening season in early 2005 with a shortened format.

This will be the first stage in the development of the new national competition and will provide the basic structure for further expansion. In the second stage, ASA will actively work towards evolving a truly national competition embracing teams from all major Australian cities and regions. These could include Canberra, Hobart, Wollongong, North Queensland and others and commercial interests have already indicated a willingness to explore these options.

The third stage will involve further strengthening the game by seeking additional international club tournament opportunities - such as a Pacific Rim tournament - in Australia with regional clubs from Asia, USA and Africa from early 2006 onwards. In time, ASA hopes to build its international relationships where member clubs of Australia's premier domestic competition will receive tournament or continental cup invitations from regional neighbours.

ASA has held a series of meetings with potential broadcasters and sponsors who have shown keen interest in the new competition but have been awaiting further detail. Today's announcement of the structure and timing of the new league will enable negotiations to begin in earnest and ASA expects to finalise these arrangements in a timely manner.

The ASA board praised the work of the NSL Task Force which provided the framework for the new competition and will adopt many of the key NSL Task Force report recommendations, including: -

The criteria and benchmarks required to be achieved by clubs

The minimum funding required by a club

The method of selecting clubs

The process of transition to the new competition

Guaranteed five year tenure for clubs

Guaranteed five year exclusive territorial rights in all centres outside Sydney and Melbourne

The measures designed to stem the outflow of players and to attract overseas players back to Australia

For financial, structural and efficiency reasons, the board of ASA will also serve as the board of the new national competition for the first three years or so.

In addition, ASA will establish an Advisory Council in conjunction with the new domestic competition to liaise regularly with ASA. The Council will comprise people chosen from members of the NSL Task Force and of the Implementation Team and will include people experienced in the Australian soccer community.

In other developments: -

STATE PRESIDENT'S MEETING

The Chairman and Chief Executive met yesterday with State Presidents to brief them on plans for the new national competition and other developments. The meeting was a very constructive and open session that signalled a unity of purpose among the stakeholders in Australian soccer. The State Presidents were briefed first hand to the greatest extent possible and were then invited to raise any issues on behalf of their constituents.

FIFA/OFC

Ron Harvey was on Saturday elected Vice President of the Oceania Football Confederation, resulting in him being appointed to the FIFA Executive Committee, and being one of only eight FIFA Vice Presidents. This is the first time an Australian has been appointed to this important position and furthers ASA's goal of elevating the standing of OFC and Australia in the world soccer community.