Australians urged to join World Cup bid

[TOPGUNJIMMYAUFC]

June 14, 2009 04:05pm
THE people of Australia are the secret weapon in a bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup, says Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy.

"Hosting the World Cup would provide Australia with an unparalleled opportunity and give Australia a lasting and living legacy for generations to come,'' he said at the World Cup bid launch today.

"On the world stage, there is no event with the same level of global appeal or audience reach as the FIFA World Cup.''

Todays launch unveiled a website for Australia's bid at australia2018-2022.com.au which is a football-themed social networking site.

"We invite people from all over Australia and the world to join the bid by signing onto our website", Mr Lowy said.




Lowy was joined by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and players Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neill in launching the bid from Parliament House in Canberra.

Adelaide Oval rebirth for World Cup bid

Lowy said that the cumulative global television audience at the 2006 World Cup was 26.2 billion with the single largest audience group coming from the Asian Football Confederation, of which Australia is a member.

"Our aim is to show FIFA and the football world that we are passionate about football and welcoming the world," Mr Lowy said.

FFA also unveiled a promotional film which showcases Australia as a destination, as well as its football and event hosting credentials, encouraging the world to Come Play!.

The film showcases the Qantas Socceroos as well as a ball travelling around Australia visiting every state and territory showcasing cities, stadia, the outback, wineries and beaches with everyday Australians in a playful mood.

A surprise appearance in the promotional film involves Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

FFA will be required to make a final presentation to FIFA, footballs world governing body, in December 2010 prior to a decision behind made.

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[TOPGUNJIMMYAUFC]

June 15, 2009 03:46pm
THE AFL has thrown its support behind Australia's World Cup bid despite the potential clash between the rival codes.

Soccer's biggest party coming to Australia in either 2018 or 2020 would present its challenges for the AFL in terms of the use of stadia during winter, competing for fans, and vying for the next generation of footballers and followers.

But a spokesman for AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the league was right behind Australia's bid.

"We're very supportive of it," he said.

"But we haven't received any information in regard to the use of our grounds, or any other details."

Australia's bid is one of 10 that soccer's world governing body FIFA will vote on in December 2010.
The other bids are from England, Russia, the United States, Mexico, Indonesia, Qatar and joint campaigns between Japan and South Korea, Belgium and the Netherlands, and Spain and Portugal.