Australia NewsAussies Could Turn A3 Into A4 |
Japanese and Korean FAs are pushing to include Aussie A-League clubs in a prestigious Asian club tournament, according to sources in Japan.
The A3 Champions Cup tournament is an annual round-robin tournament for the big three East Asian countries – Japan, Korea and China – and their champion club sides.The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website describes the tournament as “a preferred platform for forging a strong relationship between the leagues and increasing individual playing skills.”
According to www.au.fourfourtwo.com sources in Japan, high level talks between the Japanese, Korean and Australian FAs to include an A-League club in the future have begun.
Sydney FC’s impressive displays in the Asian Champions League have only strengthened the notion that the Aussie champion club would add value and quality to the tournament.
Given the A-League season kicks off in late August, it would be an ideal way for an Australian club to tune up against quality opposition in the off-season. What’s more, there's a nice earner for the winner as well as sponsorship potential.
In 2005, South Korea’s Suwon earned US$400,000 ($486,000) for winning the tournament.
Last year, J-League champions Gamba Osaka, K-League winners Ulsan Hyundai, China Super League champions Dalian Shide and the J-League Nabisco Cup winners JEF United Chiba played off for the trophy in Tokyo.
Ulsan Hyundai defeated Chinese champions Dalian Shide 4-0 to clinch the title on goals scored ahead of J-League powerhouse Gamba Osaka.
The 2007 edition will be held in China’s Jinan city from June 7-13. Shandong Luneng and Shanghai Shenhua will battle with Japan’s Urawa Reds and South Korean power Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.
The Cup has been running since 2003.
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