Soccer Plan Supported

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 15

Soccer Plan Supported

(New Zealand Pre>< Asaoctatlon)

WELLINGTON.

Moves by the New Zealand Football Association to establish a South Pacific soccer championship have met an enthusiastic response from the Oceanian and Asian confederations.

i This was stated by Mr H. de Krey, an executive member of the : N.Z.F.A., who has just . returned from a business i trip to Australia.

While away. Mr de Krey had talks with Sir Stanley Rous, the president of F.I.F.A. (soccer’s governing body), the secretary of the Oceania Football Confederation. Mr I. McAndrew, and Australian soccer officials. According to Mr de Krey, the scheme, as initated by the N.Z.F.A., has been welcomed by the secretariats of both confederations and will now be pursued with an individual approach to the countries concerned.

Giving Close Attention "They ail felt our proposals have great merit and warrant close attention with the purpose of developing soccer in this part of the world.” Mr de Krey said Sir Stanley Rous had discussed the scheme with the Asian confederation before attending the South Pacif Games in New Guinea. He had then

gone o® to Sydney and discussed the matter further with Mr McAndrew.

He pledged the full support of F.I.F.A, for tile scheme and encouraged Australia to do likewise, Mr de Krey said. As a result of Sir Stanley Rous’s visit to Australia, Mr de Krey felt the Oceania confederation might become a more active group. One suggestion which the Oceania confederation was hoping to promote was an international youth tournament.