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New Caledonia aren't FIFA members yet may qualify for FIFA international event
The Oceania U/17 qualifying tornament for the U/17 championships to be held in Finland later this year may yet feature a side that isn't even a FIFA member.
OFC provisional members New Caledonia have surprised everyone with their success and have taken out group A, featuring more experienced nations like Fiji and Samoa. However the fact they aren't FIFA members may leave their place in the OFC final in jeapordy.
Although it's unlikely they will defeat group A winners Australia in teh two legged final, the fact New Caledonia got this far is a surprise in itself. Sensibly the OFC don't want to take any chances in possibly sending what would be a non FIFA member to a FIFA event. Should FIFA disallow this they would obviously allow Australia to go however this in itself would be almost farsicle as Australia wouldn't have earned their spot in the tornament. So what do OFC tornament directors do?
Personally I'd like to see Australia and New Caledonia play the final. They were good enough to top their group when they were considered contenders to finish the tornament in 11th or 10th place overall. Chances are this final would result in Australia beating New Caledonia going on the form they have shown against the tougher group B.
However this most likely won't be considered by the OFC as they would be required to send a member nation to the Finland tornament. Fiji's chances of playing in the final, when looked at like this, are greatly improved, despite not being good enough to beat the OFC provisional members.
The only possible solution is for New Caledonia to become not only a full member of the OFC but also FIFA. However that would require them to field a team more often, something their economy may not be able to afford. Should they decide to use this possibility New Caledonia would have no problems competing in the event and possibly, although unlikely, going on to win it and earn a place in Finland.
Only time will tell. Let's hope the OFC do what's right and let the New Caledonians play. Although I doubt it very much.
posted 24 February 2003 |
