Both the 2007 Asian Football Confederation Gala Awards and the 2008 FIFA Congress will both be held in the harbour city. The Gala Awards are set for November this year, while the FIFA Congress will be held in May 2008.

Mr Frank Lowy and Mr Ben Buckley are currently in Zurich to attend at this year’s FIFA Congress.

“The FIFA Congress – which is effectively international Football’s “Parliament” – is the largest off-field Football event in the world. The vote of confidence that FIFA has shown in Sydney, to play host to in excess of 2,500 delegates and media from FIFA’s 205 member nations at such an auspicious event is really tremendous,” said Mr Lowy.

“In addition, for Australia to be selected also to host the AFC’s showcase awards night, in the space of twelve months makes a terrific statement about our newfound place in world Football, and really augers well for the future.”

“We would like to thank FIFA and the AFC for placing their confidence in the FFA and Sydney, and the NSW Government for their continued support of football in Australia”