A rubber-stamp from football's world governing body FIFA is now all that remains for Australia to join the AFC and earn the chance to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals directly through the Asian tournament.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy has pushed since his appointment 18 months ago for Australia to move from the OFC.

The transfer progressed significantly in March when the AFC executive unanimously endorsed Australia's bid to move into Asia.

The deal then required a release from the OFC.

OFC President Reynald Temarii on Sunday announced the OFC's endorsement saying football is evolving and its organisations must move with the times.

"The move of Australia to Asia is one the executive and I fully support as it will further develop football in Australia and at the same time provide many opportunities for the remaining OFC members," Temarii said.

"Their departure is the catalyst we need in OFC to try even harder to develop the game in this region."

Both the OFC and the FFA will sign a co-operation agreement next month in which the FFA will pledge to assist the OFC in football development programs.

"Although they will be part of Asia we will continue to foster friendly relations with them and have exchanges. After all they are still family," Temarii said.

The matter will now be considered by FIFA but arrangements will be unchanged for next year's World Cup.

Source:The Age