FFA were happy to accept the ticket. Of course they wanted to go. But only the OFC can provide that support in Zurich. If the OFC had said 'no, you're staying put', then that would have been the end of the matter. Which is much the same as the debate about whether New Zealand stays in the OFC or tries to go to the AFC. It requires the support of the OFC before it can happen. Anybody who suggests otherwise doesn't really have a grasp on how the system works.
Of course, Australia could have advocated for change in leadership of the OFC, but that takes time and is just the nature of democracy. Remember, they would have needed to put forward a 'vote of no confidence' to produce an election outside the four year term of an OFC President, or wait until 2007 to put up their own candidate, or a candidate with their interests at heart.
The nations below New Zealand have enjoyed an opportunity to grow and develop in a way they haven't previously. New Zealand did get "smacked around" a fair bit in the past and so did Tahiti at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009. However, they are entitled to the opportunity to grow and they qualified for that tournament on merit. That's the entire point; one day they may enjoy their own "2010".
If New Zealand were told to take their ball and never come back way back in 1997 after losing 13-0 to Spain, we may have never enjoyed the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Solomon Islands have harnessed their achievements in both Beach Soccer and Futsal to develop and grow the game. They too deserve the opportunity afforded them.
A confederation will always hold sway with the FIFA Executive over and above a Member Association and/or a club. In the hierarchical chain of command it reads FIFA, Confederations, Member Associations, with clubs and regional federations beneath that and so on.
The FFA, NZF, OFC and the Wellington Phoenix all worked together to ensure the club met all the requirements necessary to participate in the Hyundai A-League. The AFC were less helpful, perhaps, but that situation has been worked through and continues to be worked through by all stakeholders.
It irks some fans when they have to accept the confederations are the true vehicles of power in their region. I get that. But that's how the political system works. If you think otherwise, quite simply put, you're wrong.
I've been around the confederations and member associations long enough to have witnessed this in theory and practice to be able to confirm it for you.
Gordon Glen Watson
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