Winner of Oceania are made to play in Play offs against a South American team to qualify for World Cup, dimming their chances to qualify. Aus thought they would dominate Asia easily and get in WC. Hence they shifted. The reality however, dawned differently.
Joining AFC will be a really daft thing to do. I love Asian footie but let's face it; we suck. Only 3 teams have made it to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The only reason why any of them might consider joining AFC is the prospect of an easier ride to the World Cup, as Australia did. But some of their fans are now complaining about their junior teams failing to qualify for the U17 and U20 World Cups, something that used to be nailed on when they were an OFC member. Hence, many of their young talent are losing out on crucial exposure on the world stage. They no longer have players like Cahill, Viduka or Kewell because their young talent are not spotted early enough to be plucked by European academies.
Also, continental club competitions. It's better to play Europa League than to play AFC Champions League. Helps local players to be scouted to bigger European leagues.
Weirdly the top clubs of Asia are owned by Asian or Russian business groups except Liverpool and Chelsea. Asia needs a good run at a WC not hosted in Asia.
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The only reason why any of them might consider joining AFC is the prospect of an easier ride to the World Cup, as Australia did. But some of their fans are now complaining about their junior teams failing to qualify for the U17 and U20 World Cups, something that used to be nailed on when they were an OFC member. Hence, many of their young talent are losing out on crucial exposure on the world stage. They no longer have players like Cahill, Viduka or Kewell because their young talent are not spotted early enough to be plucked by European academies.