Tim Cahill is adamant Australia shouldn't begin celebrating a switch to the Asian Football Confederation and an easier World Cup qualifying campaign until the proposed move is endorsed by governing body FIFA.

The Everton midfielder, set to pick up the Oceania Player of the Year award this week, admits moving to Asia would be a massive shot in the arm for soccer in Australia.

But the 24-year-old is urging caution after FIFA backtracked on its promise to award Oceania a direct World Cup qualification berth for next year's tournament in Germany.

Four World Cup places and a playoff berth from Asia will be up for grabs if Australia move in time for the 2010 qualifying campaign.

However Cahill warned not to take the move for granted.

"I think it's good news but we have been promised a lot in the past and they've not worked out.

"We have to wait and see what happens because we have been so close and yet so far now and in the past.

"We have to be cautious and this time around we have to do it the hard way in qualifying.

"It would be great for the A-League, families and kids. We want to succeed in the football side with rugby and cricket doing so well and this will give us a chance to put something back into the country," added Cahill.

Cahill was speaking on arrival at Sydney Airport along with his Socceroo teammates and the Iraqi national team on Wednesday night.

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