AFC appeal to keep Brunei in FIFA
KUALA LUMPUR - Asian officials will make a last-ditch plea to Brunei authorities to prevent the country's football association being kicked out of FIFA.
The Brunei Football Association (BAFA) has already been suspended by football's governing body for government interference and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is anxious that FIFA does not banish them completely.
"It would be a pity for Asia if one of our members is expelled," AFC executive board member Junji Ogura (pictured) told the confederation's official website.
"It would be the first time for Asia. We have another two months (to avert it)," the Japanese added.
FIFA has warned that BAFA could be kicked out after it was dissolved by Brunei's government in December 2008 and wants it re-registered before the FIFA Congress in South Africa in June.
AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam said Asian officials had been unable to resolve the issue despite several meeting with top Brunei officials.
A final round of talks is being planned before the June deadline while the AFC also wants to appeal to FIFA to delay any decision on Brunei pending further negotiation.
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