OCA Chief Says No to Australia in Asian Games

(ATR) The president of the Olympic Council of Asia is rejecting talk of allowing Australia to compete in the Asian Games.

Sheik Ahmad Al-Fahad Al Sabah spoke at a press conference in Doha just a day after OCA vice president Manuel Silverio said he thought Australia should be allowed to take part in the football tournament at the Asian Games.

Last year Australia dropped its affiliation with the Oceania Football Confederation to join the Asian Football Confederation.

"I think it's a big mistake to bring Australia to our football, it was a big mistake by the AFC," said Al Sabah.

"Maybe they are...inside only for the marketing and sponsorship view," said the OCA leader.

Ahmad says that Australia's participation in the Asian Games would be at the expense of the small nations of Oceania.

"We have to support Oceania...to continue to host their games, just to make sure there will be a development sport on the other side of the world in the Asian continent.

"In Asia there are 45 countries...it's enough for our games and competitions, let them develop their sport," he said.

Still, Al Sabah says it might be possible to allow Australia to compete at the Asian Indoor Games in Macau next October. Australia has requested to take part in the 15-sport event.