TOKYO, Apr 3 (Reuters /1nternet) : Asian soccer chief Peter Velappan is asking for Europe and South

America to help end the dispute over places for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea,

Speaking during a visit to Tokyo. Velappan said the two soccer superpowers should show "understanding and soli-

darity" to end a threatened Asian boycott of the qualifying tournament.

When FIFA decided the allocation of places for the 32-team’' finals last December, Asia was awarded only four, including two automatic spots for the cohosts.

For the last World Cup in France, Asia had three places plus the chance of a fourth via a playoff against the Oceania champions.

That playoff spot for 2002 has been given to the fifth-placed South American team, and the Kuala Lumpur-based Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is demanding that FIFA return it to Asia, giving the host continent the opportunity of a fifth place.

' The issue will be resolved at a FIFA executive council meeting in Los Angeles in July.

Velappan. general secretary of the AFC. said FIFA president Sepp Blatter was "very sympathetic" with the Asians’ case.

"He feels that Asia deserves more than we'have now, and the president himself will play a key role in this. We remain very optimistic we will have a little more than what we have nov,, said Velappan. who is also FIFA's coordinator for the 2002, World Cup. , . , , , .

Velappan .added, "I cannot tell you precisely where the ex-.tra place will come from, but definitely the two continents who should demonstrate some understanding and solidarity will be Europe and South Amer-

ica.

"Europe has 14 plus one (France, the holders) and CON-MEBOL (South America) has lour and a half (the playoff spot).1'

Regarding the boycott threat. Velappan said, "It will be a great pity it we have to resort to this drastic action, especially when we are home to the World Cup, and hopefully FIFA will be much more sympathetic and understanding to our case."