Blatter announced today that the United Arab Emirates has won the race to host the World Club Cup in 2009 and 2010 but said Australia should not lose heart.

World football’s most powerful figure said: “In 2009 and 2010 it will be played in the UAE. In 2011 and 2012 this competition will go back to Japan where it originated.

“One of the reasons that we could not consider Australia was not because the bid was not good. The bid was exceptionally good but this competition has a time constraint.

"It is played in just one week in the international calendar. Here (Australia) I think it is a little bit difficult for all the teams to reach here and then go back.

“But just as a matter of consolation for our friends in Australia, when bidding for the World Cup distances do not come into consideration.

"For the World Cup you have 14 days according to the regulations of Fifa to prepare. Therefore hope and emotions are still valid for a country that in the past three or four years has proven that football is now really part of the social events in this country.”

Blatter also used his news conference to announce that Fifa was committed to exploring every means possible within the law to pursue the six plus five policy.

If it became a reality, it would mean club sides would be expected to field at least six home-grown players in a team.

The idea would be a gradual introduction with a four plus seven approach year in 2010, five plus six in 2011 and then six plus five in 2012.

Blatter said: “This is an item particularly attached to my heart.”

The president said he wanted young players to be inspired to join their local team and be motivated by the chance for first team football at that club.

Added to that Blatter does not believe a situation where the same few clubs dominate is a healthy situation.

It was also revealed at the conference that the 2011 under 17 World Cup will be held in Mexico with the next women’s under 17 tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.