World Footy News

worldfootynews.com can confirm that Samoa has withdrawn from the 2011 AFL International Cup.

The islanders were indeed the team we alluded to in an earlier story. The local league has struggled recently, and we've been aware for some time that footy has been under pressure there and the drop-out represents a low point.

Fortunately things appear to be looking up from here. AFL Samoa's Bernard Woodland has told us of several promising changes on the horizon that should steer the country's program back towards an upward path.

Samoa finished 7th in 2002 and 5th in 2005 before dropping to 10th in 2008. Expect to see them return to IC competition in 2014.

We'll have more details on their withdrawal and upcoming changes in the next few days.