Gulf nations want Australia out

On the eve of the Socceroos battling it out in the Asian Cup final, Football Federation Australia is about to face an even bigger battle after a movement mobilised among some Gulf nations to have Australia expelled from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Speaking to a newspaper in the United Arab Emirates, AFC president Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa revealed he was aware that momentum for Australia's removal from the confederation continued to strengthen among Gulf nations after rumours began swirling in recent months, and that "Arabs are not the only ones" seeking Australia's removal.

The problem of Australia's membership stems from several factors, all of which have been simmering since Australia joined the confederation in 2006. The belief among the agitators is that the relationship sees Australia benefiting hugely from Asian involvement without giving much in return.

Should Australia win the Asian Cup final against South Korea at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, it will mean they are the region's reigning champions of club and international football, as well as being past female Asian champions. Australia has also proven a dominant force at World Cup qualification time, twice qualifying for the global showpiece event – and is thus seen to be "taking away" a spot from the rest of the confederation. Middle East nations, already behind the likes of Japan and South Korea in their football development, and also concerned by the rise of China and eventually India, see their international exposure being affected by Australia's involvement.