Speaking at the announcement of the $45.6m largesse over three years from the government, the FFA Chairman promised the money will be spent wisely on the bid's infrastructure and operational needs.

"This money will be used in the main for professional services that we will obtain out of making the presentation, what work needs to be done.

"This is a very serious issue and we have given the government details of how we'll do it.

"But I have experience over the last 50 years in how to deal with public money."

Asked to define "professional services" Lowy said it was about expertise that we didn't already have in the country.

"Professional services is the people who have the knowledge, experience and track record in putting a bid like that together. There's a lot of technical stuff we need to do here."

And he said the bid process would have none of the expensive schmoozing so prevalent in Olympic bids.

"There'll be no money spent on unnecessary things. You may have to have a lunch with sometime but this entertainment... will be non existent here. We have a responsibiliyt and we'll be responsible. "

A proud Lowy said the bid was about more than just a sporting event. And he defended the government's $45m handout in such gloomy economic times.

"Imagine in 2018 if we look back and say, 'if only we'd spent that $45m?'

"This is the time not to be sceptical. It's time to move forward... because the whole of Australia is behind us. This is not about football – this is about Australia.

"All we need now is 13 of the 24 votes. I have the confidence and I expect to win but it's not a done deal."