They have threatened a strike of their members if their allocation is not increased.

Last December, Asia was awarded four places in the 32 team finals, but with Japan and South Korea qualifying automatically as host countries the regional authorities felt deprived.

More than 40 Asian footballing nations are expected to fight over the two remaining berths.

The Asian Football Confederation is now demanding two additional play-off places. In addition to a play-off place against a team from the Oceania region it has asked for an extra play-off place against a team from Europe.

Football's world governing body, Fifa, which is meeting in Geneva, has deferred a ruling on the dispute over World Cup places until its full congress in July.

BBC Sports Correspondent Harry Peart says the increased pressure will be seen as a bargaining strategy by the Asian Confederation and the delay has brought hope that a compromise can be reached and a boycott avoided.

No European help

The president of Europe's governing body Uefa, said he sympathised with the Asia's plight but they should not expect help from Europe.

"Europe will listen and see what makes sense but personally I think they should look somewhere else, it's always Europe that has to give in," said Lennart Johansson.

"Even if I tried to convince the executive I would have problems. My opinion is Europe should not give up a spot," he said.

None of the four Asian teams competing in France 1998 advanced beyond the first round.

Ticketing move

Fifa has also decided to play a more active role in the next World Cup because of the increasing complexity.

To avoid the problems over ticketing which beset the last World Cup in France a new strategy will be devised with Fifa taking a leading role.