Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam has hailed Australia's contribution to Asian football since moving from the Oceania Confederation in January 2006, saying it had proved beneficial for both sides. "They have brought a lot to Asia - image and reputation for our competitions. They have brought more sponsors and television revenues. They have also brought a high level of football," he said.
He also criticised Kuwait-lead sniping in parts of the Arab world for Australia to be thrown out of the AFC. "Maybe one voice has been raised against Australia but not all Arab countries. At the AFC Congress, when we voted for Australia to be part of Asia the 45 nations voted yes," he said, as reported by Aljazeera. "Australia are now enjoying a high standard of competition and it is a win-win situation."
He also criticised Kuwait-lead sniping in parts of the Arab world for Australia to be thrown out of the AFC. "Maybe one voice has been raised against Australia but not all Arab countries. At the AFC Congress, when we voted for Australia to be part of Asia the 45 nations voted yes," he said, as reported by Aljazeera. "Australia are now enjoying a high standard of competition and it is a win-win situation."