Australia have campaigned for Oceania to have a direct qualification place for the World Cup, something FIFA have so far refused, but have now been given the green light to push for a spot in the Asian World Cup qualifying campaign.

"So long as the associations in Oceania and Asia are happy with this development there are no laws to prevent such a solution," Blatter said Tuesday.

As it stands the Oceania winners play off against the fifth best team from South America to qualify for the World Cup.

Australia lost their play-off with Uruguay to miss out on the 2002 World Cup and claim this tough qualifying system is the main reason why they have played in just one World Cup back in 1974.

The Asian Football Confederation announced last month that Australia's quest to leave Oceania and play in Asia had been endorsed by its executive committee.

Australia have to beat the Solomon Islands home and away and then a yet-to-be determined fifth-placed team from South America to reach the 2006 finals.

By joining Asia, Australia will be fighting 44 other countries for a maximum of five World Cup spots for the next 2010 qualifying campaign.

The Socceroos could play up to 16 matches while qualifying through Asia.

Source: Tahoo News