Soccer: Dempsey no-vote may prove trump

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Stupid, arrogant or a cunning old dog?

Charlie Dempsey has been called them all - and a lot worse - in the aftermath of the 2006 World Cup fiasco, but in abstaining he may well have played a trump card in ensuring the future of his beloved Oceania Football Confederation.

Dempsey, a long-time fan of European football and who opposed Sepp Blatter by supporting European nominee Lennart Johansson of Sweden in the Fifa presidential vote in 1998, knows he can count on continued support from Europe.

And now, it seems, Asia as well.

In aligning themselves with Europe's eight votes in opting for Germany, the four-strong Asian vote flew in the face of Blatter's long-time preference for South Africa.

The Asians were unhappy when Blatter did not support their bid for a fifth spot in the 2002 World Cup to be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

Now with those likely 12 votes in their pocket, Oceania, with their own vote, have 13 - enough to take a majority in crucial future votes.

In his last stand at a Fifa executive meeting - at Zurich in August - Dempsey will plead on Oceania's behalf on two crucial issues - the Football Kingz future beyond the 2000-2001 NSL season and the on-going bid for direct Oceania entry at future World Cup tournaments.

At his media conference in Auckland yesterday, Dempsey reiterated that he had been placed in a "no-win" situation after pressure to cast his vote for either South Africa or Germany.

Asked if he saw his abstention -which subsequently cost South Africa the chance to host the World Cup - was payback to Blatter, Dempsey said: "I'm happy to tell you I wasn't thinking of Sepp Blatter or anyone else when I made that decision. I do not know whether Sepp Blatter has ever been my friend.

"I was concerned only in the best interests of the OFC. There are still many hurdles to be jumped including direct [World Cup] entry, getting an Oceania vice-president on Fifa and the Kingz.

"I am not going to make enemies. At the time I made the decision to abstain, I thought my vote would be inconsequential."

Dempsey insists Oceania has made no enemies. He says he did not barter with the Europeans and was determined to take a neutral stance. He says there was no acrimony from the Africans.

Early in yesterday's media conference Dempsey was attacked with the suggestion he was not "up to the job."

"Probably you're right. I have been with Oceania for 36 years and I think that is a very good record."

OFC general secretary Josephine King admitted the Europeans had done plenty in the past to support Oceania.

"It has always been a case of you support us here and we'll support you," said King. "That is normal dealings."

Dempsey will now be calling on all such favours as he prepares, on October 1, to turn his back forever on the Oceania Football Confederation.