Australia's WC bid rival teetering

[the_gun]

Indonesia’s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup appears close to collapse with the country’s government appearing unlikely to back the proposal.

However, Indonesian football authorities have publicly signalled they would consider a joint bid with Australia – if they can still obtain government support from Jakarta for such a proposal.

The latest twist in bidding for 2018 and 2022 World Cups comes as FIFA’s deadline for bids to guarantee government support is set to pass.

Indonesian football authorities admitted its government had yet to write an official letter backing the bid.

The Jakarta government believes the Indonesian Football Association should focus on grassroots development before considering an ambitious World Cup bid.

“Without backing from the government, Indonesia will be disqualified from the bidding process,” Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) deputy secretary general Dali Tahir told The Jakarta Post.

“If we don’t take the opportunity now, we’ll have to wait for another 20 years.

“President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and minister of youth and sport Andi Alifian Mallarangeng are the key figures to make this bid happen. We plead to them.

“It’s not just a PSSI event – it’s a big event for Indonesians.”

Indonesia’s minister for sport appeared to slam shut the bid’s coffin, claiming that hosting a World Cup should be lower on the PSSI’s list of priorities.

“The PSSI must put the focus on revitalising football development in the country, not anything else,” Minister Andi Alifian Mallarangeng told the paper.

“We have to pull ourselves to the top of the Southeast Asian region again, then we’ll have to be one of Asia’s best. After that, we can talk about the World Cup.”

While its own bid appears to be going nowhere, Indonesian football authorities claimed a joint bid with Australia was still a possibility – but that support from Jakarta was still required.

Dali Tahir, PSSI deputy general secretary who has served on FIFA’s Ethics Committee, also claimed the world governing body was poised to award Asia hosting rights for 2022, which would be a significant fillip for Australia's campaign.

“FIFA has confirmed the 2022 World Cup will be held in Asia,” Dali Tahir said, although FIFA has not confirmed that claim.

“Australia and Indonesia have a chance but Australia doesn’t want to face us head-to-head. They prefer to have us as a strategic ally.

"But without the guarantee letter [from the government], it’s impossible to join forces with Australia.”

[Red-4-Life]

i dont think indonesia would be a chance anyway to be honest, Australia has a lot more to offer. and if 2018 is in europe which is looking likely, i think Australia's chances for 2022 are looking VERY good as a continent cannot host back to back world cups. Also Brazil hosting it in 2014 will probably cancel out a south american country to host it. and USA can just piss off....

[DOC]

USA may miss out as 94 is not that long ago

[Red-4-Life]

USA may miss out as 94 is not that long ago

thats what i meant

[COLOSSUS]

“...........but Australia doesn’t want to face us head-to-head. They prefer to have us as a strategic ally.”

Is this bloke for real??? We face your boat people every single day, what makes you think we wouldnt want to go head to head with you on an event we all know you wouldnt be able to host anywhere as remotely even close to good as Australia??? Have you people even got stadiums??? Because if your boats are anything to go by, im willing to bet not even 3rd World African Nations would be scared to go "head to head" with you

Its no wonder their bid is close to collapse, i dont think it even made it past the thought process to be honest

[guti]

“...........but Australia doesn’t want to face us head-to-head. They prefer to have us as a strategic ally.”

Is this bloke for real??? We face your boat people every single day, what makes you think we wouldnt want to go head to head with you on an event we all know you wouldnt be able to host anywhere as remotely even close to good as Australia??? Have you people even got stadiums??? Because if your boats are anything to go by, im willing to bet not even 3rd World African Nations would be scared to go "head to head" with you

Its no wonder their bid is close to collapse, i dont think it even made it past the thought process to be honest

The asylum seekers aren't Indonesian.

[COLOSSUS]

“...........but Australia doesn’t want to face us head-to-head. They prefer to have us as a strategic ally.”

Is this bloke for real??? We face your boat people every single day, what makes you think we wouldnt want to go head to head with you on an event we all know you wouldnt be able to host anywhere as remotely even close to good as Australia??? Have you people even got stadiums??? Because if your boats are anything to go by, im willing to bet not even 3rd World African Nations would be scared to go "head to head" with you

Its no wonder their bid is close to collapse, i dont think it even made it past the thought process to be honest

The asylum seekers aren't Indonesian.

Indonesian or not, its their boats that are being used and from all the reports we get here, those boats are coming from Indonesia. Im sure there are vessels in Europe that dont just cruise around with Europeans onboard correct???