There has been much speculation regarding the fight for hosting rights, especially for a mouthwatering final group clash between Australia and Japan.

Melbourne and Sydney are both believed to have put forward arguments for staging the Japan game.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley was giving nothing away with regards to the chosen venues but admitted football fans wouldn't have to wait much longer to find out.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "We're very advanced (in the planning) and we look forward to making that announcement in due course."

Domestic league expansion is also taking up much of Buckley's time and there was further encouragement today for those backing the North Queensland and Gold Coast A-League bids.

Buckley said: "Gold Coast and Townsville are certainly in an advanced position.

"We would hope to ratify their entry into the league within the next few weeks.

"We're reviewing some final elements of the business plan but I'm extremely confident that both clubs will participate in season five of the A-League."