Football Federation Australia Chairman, Frank Lowy has welcomed Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's support as it looks to bid for the 2018 World Cup.
Prime Minister Rudd declared his support on Saturday for hosting the tournament after recent changes to FIFA's hosting rotation policy gave Australia the opportunity to submit a bid for 2018 which would previously have not been possible.
"Winning the right to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a herculean task, but overcoming tough odds is what Australian football does best," Mr Rudd told The Age.
The FFA certainly faces a tough challenge to acquire the four-yearly event as its success depends on voting by each of FIFA's 208 member countries.
The bid, which is expected to be officially lodged next week, will also rely on support by Australia's state governments and other sporting organisations like the AFL and NRL as the tournament is generally held over June and July during the European Football's summer break, therefore requiring the Australian Rules Football and Rugby League competitions to be suspended for some four to five matches.
Australia's bid could also be hampered by the fact that Asia has also only just recently hosted a World Cup in 2002, where it was played in the Korean Republic and Japan.
But, despite the difficulties, Lowy is pleased to acknowledge the Australian Government's support for the move and feels this is the first step towards a successful bid.
"(The) key to our success in bringing these significant events to Australia is that it is a 'whole of Australia' bid and that it has the explicit support of all Australian governments," Lowy said.
He also said that the impact of hosting the World Cup would be important for Australia in general and have historic significance as well in framing the country's place in the world.
"Apart from the benefits for the sport, there are also significant benefits for the nation in terms of economic impact, international prestige and contribution to nation building and social inclusion," he said.
"To realise these benefits, there is also need for investment and that is why we welcome the Government's support today."
FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, indicated the organisation has already commenced planning its bid strategy.
Mr Buckley declared the current focus is an audit being undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers examining Australia's preparedness to host a World Cup.
The study is looking at stadia, training facilities, accommodation, public transport and other infrastructure.
"The preparations for a World Cup bid are very significant, and have a long lead time. We are moving early to position ourselves for a successful bid outcome," Buckley said.
After Australia's participation in the World Cup in Germany during 2006, the Socceroos have already started their campaign to play in South Africa in two years time, having defeated Qatar 3-0 in their first Asian Football Confederation qualifying match at Telstra Dome earlier this month.
"Winning the right to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a herculean task, but overcoming tough odds is what Australian football does best," Mr Rudd told The Age.
The FFA certainly faces a tough challenge to acquire the four-yearly event as its success depends on voting by each of FIFA's 208 member countries.
The bid, which is expected to be officially lodged next week, will also rely on support by Australia's state governments and other sporting organisations like the AFL and NRL as the tournament is generally held over June and July during the European Football's summer break, therefore requiring the Australian Rules Football and Rugby League competitions to be suspended for some four to five matches.
Australia's bid could also be hampered by the fact that Asia has also only just recently hosted a World Cup in 2002, where it was played in the Korean Republic and Japan.
But, despite the difficulties, Lowy is pleased to acknowledge the Australian Government's support for the move and feels this is the first step towards a successful bid.
"(The) key to our success in bringing these significant events to Australia is that it is a 'whole of Australia' bid and that it has the explicit support of all Australian governments," Lowy said.
He also said that the impact of hosting the World Cup would be important for Australia in general and have historic significance as well in framing the country's place in the world.
"Apart from the benefits for the sport, there are also significant benefits for the nation in terms of economic impact, international prestige and contribution to nation building and social inclusion," he said.
"To realise these benefits, there is also need for investment and that is why we welcome the Government's support today."
FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, indicated the organisation has already commenced planning its bid strategy.
Mr Buckley declared the current focus is an audit being undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers examining Australia's preparedness to host a World Cup.
The study is looking at stadia, training facilities, accommodation, public transport and other infrastructure.
"The preparations for a World Cup bid are very significant, and have a long lead time. We are moving early to position ourselves for a successful bid outcome," Buckley said.
After Australia's participation in the World Cup in Germany during 2006, the Socceroos have already started their campaign to play in South Africa in two years time, having defeated Qatar 3-0 in their first Asian Football Confederation qualifying match at Telstra Dome earlier this month.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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