Football Federation Australia CEO, Ben Buckley, confirmed that Australia has now formally submitted the Bidding Agreement to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

The deadline for submitting the Bidding Agreement is the end of today (Swiss time).

"The Bidding Agreement is a formal agreement between FIFA and FFA which commits us to submitting a technical compliant bid proposal in May next year," Buckley said. 

The formal bid proposal, or 'Bid Book' as it is known, provides comprehensive detail of Australia's bid covering all facets of Australia's bid including host cities, sustainable development, football development, environmental considerations, stadiums, team and other accommodation, transport, communications technology, the health system and other matters.

"The Bidding Agreement is another step in the journey as we invite the world to 'come play' in Australia in 2018 or 2022 .

"As a nation, sport has provided some of our most compelling and defining national memories.

"We believe this is a passion and commitment that can be shared with the world, and it would form part of a living and lasting legacy to the world from Australia," Buckley said.

Buckley said that FFA has been encouraged by the positive feedback it is receiving on the bid from around the world, including after last week's initial formal presentation in Cape Town of Australia's credentials to the international football community.

"We are also fortunate to have the backing of all governments for our bid.  We are continuing to work with them and the other sporting codes to ensure we can put forward the best possible bid on behalf of Australia."

Buckley said the next major milestone in the journey to host the FIFA World Cup will occur on 14 May 2010 in Zurich when the Bid Book is provided to FIFA.

The other bidders include England, Spain and Portugal, Netherlands & Belgium, Russia, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Qatar and the USA.

A decision on the successful hosts for 2018 and 2022 will be made by FIFA on 2 December 2010.