NASSAU, Bahamas —  Hundreds of soccer power brokers descended on the Bahamas a few days ago, some of them billionaires arriving aboard mammoth private yachts, others by charter jet from Dubai and a handful on commercial planes from Miami.

Just about all came with an agenda. So, too, did FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who begins work on his to-do list Wednesday before representatives of 208 soccer-playing nations.

The head of the sport's governing body will lead discussions at FIFA's annual Congress regarding changes to the Olympic program, a quota system that would restrict clubs to a maximum of five foreign players in their starting lineups and preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"I think at the end of the Congress Wednesday, everybody will see what we're doing in FIFA, we're doing what we can do and we can all be happy," Blatter said.

There is no shortage of maneuvering at this gathering. Frank Lowy, chairman of Australia's soccer federation, brought his 240-foot yacht into Bahamian waters and is said to be lobbying for a World Cup. A stream of people at dinner Monday waited to greet London Olympics organizing committee head Sebastian Coe. He, too, is trying to lure a World Cup to his country, either the 2018 or 2022 tournament.

There are 11 official candidates for the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, the others being Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Russia, South Korea and the United States, plus joint bids from Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal. Bid teams could have three representatives at this week's Congress, although no public lobbying was to take place.

"There's no real direction at this point how the whole thing is shaping up. I think it's a bit premature at this stage for us to do," CONCACAF president Jack Warner said. "But I know that many countries are beginning to get very aggressive in their whole campaign and I'm quite sure as the months go by this will improve."

Still, CONCACAF is optimistic the U.S. or Mexico, its two candidates, will land an upcoming World Cup.

"Either one of our candidates from this region, certainly on a comparative basis to the rest of the world, will shine favorably," CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer said. "Therefore, we have every confidence to believe that we will be successful in our quest."

But on Wednesday, at least officially, Blatter will aim to keep talks directed at more immediate objectives.

The most thorny of all the subjects on FIFA's docket is the quota policy, the "6+5" rule that could change the makeup of many of the world's most prominent professional clubs. The European Union has said such a plan would violate its discrimination laws, and if Blatter gets the measure to a vote Wednesday, representatives from European soccer federations in plan to abstain.

"We have no choice," Belgian federation president Francois De Keersmaecker said. "Is it legal or is it illegal?"

Other items FIFA will consider include changing the maximum age for Olympic players from 23 to 21, and keeping third-party influence, such as from politicians and governments, out of the decisions made by each national federation.

Doping will also be on the agenda. FIFA and the World Anti-Doping Agency have clashed on parts of the doping control codes, but appear to have smoothed out many of their differences in a video conference between Blatter and WADA president John Fahey last month.

FIFA objects to WADA's requirement that athletes make their whereabouts known for testing at virtually all times. The soccer body says the policy is tantamount to saying all players are suspected dopers. FIFA insists a player should be eligible for testing six days a week at his team's training ground and freed of the obligation while on vacation.

Days after Blatter and Fahey spoke, WADA sent word to FIFA that its policies were generally in line with their recommendations, with the exception of the provision of when suspended athletes can resume training with their clubs.

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