Soccer: Dempsey's non-vote bewilders soccer world

New Zealand under-23 soccer co-coach Ron Armstrong is "bewildered" by Charlie Dempsey's World Cup non-vote but believes the country should wait for an explanation before making a final judgment.

Australia soccer officials have also urged a "wait-and-see" approach on Dempsey's decision not to take part in the final ballot which led to Germany being named as the hosts of the 2006 World Cup ahead of hot favourites South Africa.

Armstrong, whose under-23 side missed qualifying for the Olympics, feared a backlash against New Zealand soccer, which, he said, had made great strides in the past 18 months.

A member of the great 1982 World Cup All Whites, who did not want to be named, also urged the New Zealand public to wait for Dempsey's explanation before making a final judgment.

Armstrong, one of New Zealand's finest footballers, said: "It is bewildering as to why he did not follow Oceania's instructions.

"But there are two sides to every story and we've got to wait until we hear the other side.

"I just hope there's not a backlash against New Zealand soccer because for the past year to 18 months it's all been good news."

Australia's soccer chairman, Basil Scarsella, admitted surprise at Dempsey's actions, but said: "I might not be once I understand the reasons.

"Until we have the opportunity to speak to Charlie, it's impossible and unreasonable for me to make any further comment.

"I'm sure Charlie will be happy to take us through the chain of events.

"We mustn't forget the contribution that Charlie has made to the Oceania confederation. He has indicated he plans to step down in 2002 ... he should be allowed to see his term through unless something drastic happens, which I can't see."

But the cautious reaction was in stark contrast to what has been said in South Africa about Dempsey.

He was cast as public enemy No 1 on the front pages of most newspapers.

The news spilled over on to pages two and three of some papers, which also carried photos of people weeping in the streets.

The Johannesburg Star labelled Dempsey "South Africa's betrayer."

"World soccer stunned by the delegate who refused to vote," the paper said.

Major Afrikaans daily Beelt plastered a photo of Dempsey on its front page with the heading "Damn It Dempsey."

"One man robbed South Africa of the chance to stage the world's biggest sporting showpiece," Beelt said.

Another national newspaper, the Johannesburg-based Citizen, led its front page with the words: "Stabbed In The Back."

"The villain was South Africa's arch rival in rugby and cricket: New Zealand," the paper said.

Johannesburg tabloid The Sowetan headlined its front page with the words "Daylight Robbery."

Its front page story was an editorial, saying: "The house of [world governing body] Fifa stands on shaky ground indeed.

"It defies Fifa's own values of unity and solidarity. Fifa has betrayed its own motto 'for the good of the game'."

South African President Thabo Mbeki said the Fifa vote was a setback for his nation.

He called it a "tragedy for Africa" which had wrecked the continent's efforts to win recognition in the international sports community.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said he was "full of respect and regret" for the South African bid.

In the cup ballot, Germany received 10 votes in the first round, South Africa six, England five and Morocco three. In the second round, with Morocco dropping out, the vote went Germany 11, South Africa 11 and England two. In the third and final vote, Germany received 12 votes, South Africa 11, with Dempsey abstaining.