Australia's bid to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was given unanimous support by Asia's governing body on Wednesday, which made their future World Cup qualification easier.

"The AFC executive committee has endorsed the wishes of Australia to join the AFC," AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam told reporters. "But it has to go through the proper channels.

"Australia must first resign from the Oceania Football Condederation (OFC) and then apply officially to join the AFC. It also has to be approved by the world soccer governing body FIFA. The legalities will take some time."

Asia has four automatic spots and a possible fifth via a playoff for next year's World Cup.

At present the Oceania winners, either Australia or the Solomon Islands, receive only "half" a place through a two-leg playoff against a team from South America.

Australia are the dominant force in the Oceania but have only qualified for the World Cup finals once, in 1974.

The OFC's executive committee, which was surprised by Australia's plan, will meet to discuss the issue in Noumea, New Caledonia on April 16.

Source: Xinhua