AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou sparked passionate public debate with his claim that a successful World Cup bid could result in the cancellation of an entire AFL season and the death of up to four clubs.

Most of the issues raised by Demetriou - including his concern that the AFL could be denied access to the MCG for up to four months - have since been addressed by FFA.

While the debate hasn't been helpful, Merrick believes it's not likely to have damaged Australia's hosting prospects.

"There's some headline-grabbing stuff, but the bottom line is that Australians love a sporting event and this is the biggest there is," Merrick said.

"We've shown that we can host Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games and have done a fantastic job and every Australian will be on board when it comes to putting in a bid for that event.

"There is no Australian going to affect our ability to host that event. Everyone will be on side when it counts."

Merrick conceded the AFL is entitled to protect its interests and said mediation may be required in the long run to resolve issues relating to stadium access for rival codes.

But he said the tone and standard of some of the debate this week had made him laugh.

"It's just a lot of needless talk, I don't need to join that," he said. All I'm saying is that we will make a great bid, we've got the facilities, we've shown we can do it, we're very adaptable.

"It would be a tremendous event to host, and although I would be 65 or 60, I would like to be around to see it."