But Football Federation Australia CEO, Ben Buckley, said today that the experience of submitting a bid proposal for the tournament was valuable in terms of preparing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup bid.

The FIFA Club World Cup comprises the champion club from each FIFA Confederation.

"The United Arab Emirates has first class facilities and resources to put towards a tournament of this nature," said Buckley.

"FIFA has advised us that FFA’s bid was ‘exceptionally good’ and Australia has very strong credentials to host major tournaments.

“But for a tournament that is little more than one week long, FIFA was of the view that distance was the major factor not in our favour."

He added: “This is not an issue for a longer tournament where players are released by their clubs for national team duty two weeks beforehand.”

Buckley said the Club World Cup decision puts no dent in FFA’s aspirations to host the FIFA 2018 World Cup or other major FIFA events.

“In fact, President Blatter encouraged us to do so," he said.

"We want to be a strong and positive contributor to the world of football in as many ways as possible.

“Major events can have a positive legacy for the growth and development of football in Australia, as well as our region, and that is why we are pursuing them.

“This week’s FIFA Congress is part of that strategy, as is the 2015 Asian Cup."