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<SPAN>First Published: Dec 17, 2006</SPAN> <DIV class=pictureCaption style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 245px">
FIFA President Joseph Blatter talks to the press before the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo. He said he would work to throw amateur teams out of the Club World Cup after Auckland City's goalless showing here.</DIV>
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he would work to throw amateur teams out of the Club World Cup after Auckland City's goalless showing here.
Auckland, representing Oceania after Australia joined the Asian confederation, finished bottom of the tournament after losses to Al Ahly and Jeonbuk Motors.
"We've invited the champions of all the continents but Australia has left the Oceania continent," Blatter told reporters.
"But when you have full professional teams in the competition then the sixth one must also be professional.
"This is not only my wish but it's the will of the FIFA president as long as I'm sitting in this chair."
Auckland City have won the New Zealand national league twice since being formed in 2004 but their team of teachers, drivers and bankers lost 2-0 to Al Ahly before being outplayed 3-0 by Asian champions Jeonbuk.
Oceania last year was represented by Sydney FC, who finished fifth.
<SPAN>First Published: Dec 17, 2006</SPAN> <DIV class=pictureCaption style="FLOAT: left; WIDTH: 245px">
FIFA President Joseph Blatter talks to the press before the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo. He said he would work to throw amateur teams out of the Club World Cup after Auckland City's goalless showing here.</DIV>
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he would work to throw amateur teams out of the Club World Cup after Auckland City's goalless showing here.
Auckland, representing Oceania after Australia joined the Asian confederation, finished bottom of the tournament after losses to Al Ahly and Jeonbuk Motors.
"We've invited the champions of all the continents but Australia has left the Oceania continent," Blatter told reporters.
"But when you have full professional teams in the competition then the sixth one must also be professional.
"This is not only my wish but it's the will of the FIFA president as long as I'm sitting in this chair."
Auckland City have won the New Zealand national league twice since being formed in 2004 but their team of teachers, drivers and bankers lost 2-0 to Al Ahly before being outplayed 3-0 by Asian champions Jeonbuk.
Oceania last year was represented by Sydney FC, who finished fifth.
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