The "war of words raging" between the Association of Australian Football Clubs and Football Federation Australia "has ramped up, with revelations the clubs have sought to be included" in meetings with FIFA next week, according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. A combined FIFA and Asian Football Confederation delegation will hold "high-level discussions with the FFA and various parties next week in a bid to resolve issues" concerning the implementation of alterations to FFA's voting congress. FFA "has been under extreme pressure from FIFA and local bodies," including A-League clubs, to implement changes to its voting structure so that it is "more inclusive of all the game's stakeholders." The AAFC, which was formed late last year, represents the second-tier national football clubs of Australia. But the AAFC is not recognized by FFA and, as such, FIFA "is not obliged to meet with its representatives next week." AAFC Chair Rabieh Krayem reportedly wrote to both FFA and FIFA on Wednesday "requesting to meet the FIFA/AFC delegation so the AAFC can put forward its case" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/4).
