Australia's bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup

[midfielder]

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/InsideFFA/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=22209

Australia to bid for 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, announced today that Australia has submitted a bid to host the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.

The FIFA Club World Cup comprises the champion club from each FIFA Confederation. Last year's winner was AC Milan with Argentina's Boca Juniors second and Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan, placed third.

"It's a very exciting competition, with the best team from each of the six FIFA Confederations and a team from the host nation participating," Buckley said.

"FIFA is looking for hosts for 2009 and 2010, and we believe Australia has very strong credentials.

"Australia has quality facilities; good systems and infrastructure and the capacity to develop more; stable governance; and football fans and all-round sports fans who are knowledgeable and passionate."

Australia's rivals for the Club World Cup are Japan and the United Arab Emirates, who Buckley also described as "very strong contenders".

"Japan has hosted the tournament for the past four years and will again in 2008. They have a proven track record in hosting this as well as co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.

"The United Arab Emirates, whose bid is based around Abu Dhabi, has first class facilities and resources to put towards a tournament of this nature."

Buckley said that it is a deliberate strategy of FFA to express an interest in hosting major football events.

"We want to be a strong and positive contributor to the world of football in as many ways as possible.

"Next week's FIFA Congress is part of that strategy, as is the 2015 Asian Cup, bidding for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also the 2009 and 2010 Club World Cup."

A decision will be made on who will host the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup when the FIFA Executive meets in Sydney next week, ahead of the 58th FIFA Congress and FFA's 'Super June' in which the Qantas Socceroos will play four World Cup qualifying matches in four weeks.

The FIFA Congress will attract around 2,000 delegates drawn from the 208 member nations of FIFA in what is football's biggest annual event off the field.

The FIFA Congress and 'Super June' will kick off this Friday with a match at the Sydney Football Stadium between the Matildas and Canada, while the Qantas Socceroos meet the 14th ranked nation in the world, Ghana. Tickets are available from Ticketek on 132 849, online at www.ticketek.com.au or by visiting the nearest Ticketek outlet.

 

[midfielder]

More on the bid today

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24325836-23215,00.html

FFA to launch Cup charm offensive
By Tom Smithies
September 11, 2008 AUSTRALIA'S plans to host a World Cup are set to intensify as football chiefs move to sign up every state government by the end of the year.

For months Football Federation Australia has been working with PriceWaterhouseCoopers consultants on an intensive audit of the infrastructure needed to host the world's biggest sporting event.

Having spent the past few weeks digesting that report, FFA chiefs will now take its findings to the Federal Government in preparation for a charm offensive across the states, seeking commitments on funding and legislation required to underpin a bid.

It's understood the report not only itemises what facilities the country already has - and needs - for a World Cup, but what return the states could expect to see.

One of the complications of an Australian bid is getting every state government on board.

But to emphasise how much the Prime Minister is behind a bid, it is believed Canberra will have a lead role in persuading the state governments to commit to the required investment and the controversial legislation to block off stadiums for weeks around a World Cup.

Despite the change of premier in NSW, sources say Nathan Rees is a genuine football fan and is likely to continue Morris Iemma's support.

Nationally, the World Cup charm offensive will include discussions of where to host the 2015 Asian Cup, the 16-team tournament for which Australia is the only bidder.

Since the FIFA Congress in Sydney in May, the FFA has also been seeking clarification from FIFA about whether it will award both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups at once in three years, and if so, whether countries will be able to bid for both simultaneously.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy remains adamant that 2018 is the goal, but many observers believe Australia's chances would be hugely boosted if the hosts for both that and 2022 were chosen from the same pool.

That way, FIFA could opt for both an established and a "developmental" host simultaneously.

Like all bidders, Australia would require at least 10, or possibly 12, stadiums with a capacity of at least 40,000, though a number of those are already in place.

It's believed that those listed in the consultants report for consideration include Sydney Football Stadium, ANZ Stadium and EnergyAustralia Stadium in NSW, the MCG and Telstra Dome in Melbourne, Adelaide's AAMI Stadium, a new venue in Perth and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Others that have been listed as suitable for upgrading include Canberra Stadium, Skilled Park on the Gold Coast and possibly a venue in Townsville. Tasmania's government is also keen to promote the Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

 

[Guns of Melbourne]

I think the FFA really need to focus on one bid at a time.

Too many fingers in too many pies at the moment, which has the potential to lead to a dilution of bidding power and possible negative feelings from the AFC who may see the ambitious bids as a power play from a johnny-come-lately nation that needs to "learn its place".

Of course, it's all speculation, but it's concerning.

 

[soundsdifferent]

well did we win anything?

 

[Jesus]

I think the FFA really need to focus on one bid at a time.

Too many fingers in too many pies at the moment, which has the potential to lead to a dilution of bidding power and possible negative feelings from the AFC who may see the ambitious bids as a power play from a johnny-come-lately nation that needs to "learn its place".

Of course, it's all speculation, but it's concerning.

The asian cup is a formality, since we are the only bidders. This will only help show we can showcase te world cup.

Club world cup long since decided.

 

[northernspirit]

hopefully the event would be well supported with big crowds

 

[Bear]

ill go

 

[Jorome Alexander Bennett]

You can count me in.
I've heard of the world cup. It's the two best baseball teams in the USA. They play 13 twelve hour long matches. Then the champion is decided on points. Strap yourselves in, your on the excitement wagon!

 

[dibo]

topic title changed - only the first post was about the CWC...

 

[midfielder]

http://www.theroar.com.au/2008/09/19/lowys-world-cup-job-a-big-boost-for-aussie-bid-aloisi/

Lowys World Cup job a big boost for Aussie bid: Aloisi

Socceroo John Aloisi has hailed FFA chairman Frank Lowys appointment to the FIFA World Cup organising committee as a major step forward for Australias hopes of staging the event.

Aloisi also believed Lowy would have a lot of influential support as Australia campaigns to host the World Cup in 2018 or possibly 2022.

Lowy, the billionaire Westfield chief, has been appointed for a four-year term to the committee that oversees the World Cup.

The committee contains most of the 24 powerborkers who decide where each tournament will be held.

Frank is very influential and its no surprise that hes part of that, Aloisi told Sydney radio 2KY.

Its good news because its not as easy as everyone thinks that it will go back to Europe (in 2018) because Europe hasnt had it for quite a few years when that comes around.

Theres going to be a lot of people on Australias side to get the World Cup.

Most of the countries in Asia want it here.

The people from CONCACAF which is Central America will want it here.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said earlier this year a return to the northern hemisphere in 2018 would be logical after two editions in the southern hemsiphere, with Brazil the host in 2014.

Aloisi said Australia had proved its ability to cope with big events with its successful hosting of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

So hopefully well get it and realistically we can host it because we hosted the Olympics in Sydney and weve got some good stadiums, the Sydney FC striker said.

If we are going to have a World Cup, well build more stadiums. I think Australia can host it very easily.

Lowy said it was a privilege to be able to contribute to the organisation of the worlds biggest football tournament.

But, more importantly, it is wonderful recognition of the growing credibility and reputation of Australia within the global football community, he said in an FFA statement.

Lowy said the FIFA Congress held in Sydney in May also enhanced Australias reputation.

 

[midfielder]

More news and views on FL appointment

http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/football/world-cup-no-pipe-dream-fifa-insider-frank-lowy-can-deliver-hostingrights/2008/09/21/1221331272795.html

World Cup no pipe dream FIFA insider Frank Lowy can deliver hosting rights
September 21, 2008

Make no mistake, the 16 executive members on the 24-member FIFA World Cup
Organising Committee surely don't know what they've done. When it was announced during the week that Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy is to serve on the committee for the next four years - with access to priceless World Cup intelligence and the game's global powerbrokers - it was tantamount to laying out the welcome mat for the wily fox outside the chicken coop.

You have to hand it to Lowy. He is a master diplomat and is so often a step ahead of the game. His admission to the corridors of power has massive ramifications for Australia's prospects of staging the World Cup. Indeed, it may be a pivotal moment in the sport's history in this country.

His decision to stage this year's FIFA Congress in Sydney was a masterstroke. While impressing the visiting delegates was one matter, gaining outcomes was quite another. And now we are starting to see how Lowy used the Congress to further Australia's influence in Zurich.

This may prove to be the most important step in delivering Lowy's ultimate gift to Australian football in the latter years of his life - hosting rights to the FIFA World Cup.

Such a momentous achievement would secure the future of football in Australia beyond the life of the chairman in two counts. First, the world's premier global tournament would undoubtedly increase support for the sport. The world's greatest footballers performing on the local stage and the influx of overseas football fans for the month-long carnival would enchant Australians like never before.

Second, the A-League would be catapulted into the position of national supremacy over the other football codes given the infrastructure and impetus provided by the World Cup.

For this dream to be realised, the next three years until 2011 - when the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups are decided - will be crucial. As if Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek didn't need any more pressure. The national team must qualify for South Africa in 2010 to give Australia a face on the park at that tournament while Lowy feverishly and cunningly presses the flesh at the banquets and in the corporate boxes.

Qualification would allow the Socceroos to continue to build on the credibility they established in the last few years, further enhanced most recently by their win over the Netherlands and their super performance against Uzbekistan.

The question now is which tournament - 2018 or 2022 - is the most realistic goal. The FFA maintains it is on track to secure the hosting rights for 2018, and with Lowy now inside the seemingly impenetrable walls of FIFA and privy to the deal-making and cliques of the voting members, the message is clear: never bet against the FFA chairman delivering what he has promised and most desires.

Because while we digest this news with tremendous excitement, be assured Lowy will already be laying the groundwork for his next moves, three or four steps ahead of the game.

 

[Bex]

Powerful stuff. Bring it on!

 

[midfielder]

BB says other codes willing to support in News media today.

Frank seems hell bent on leaving football in the best shape he can

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24379942-5001023,00.html

FFA laying the WC

By Tom Smithies

September 22, 2008 12:00am

FOOTBALL Federation chief executive Ben Buckley has held top-level talks with the other football codes as he bids to get Australia's sporting landscape ready for a 2018 World Cup bid.

With the federal government digesting a report that predicts billions of dollars of economic benefits to the country from hosting a World Cup, Buckley dismissed the idea that the FFA might hedge its bets over the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

After The Daily Telegraph revealed on Friday that FFA chairman Frank Lowy had been appointed to FIFA's World Cup organising committee, Buckley insisted his and Lowy's focus was on a bid to bring it here in a decade's time - realistically giving them just two years to co-ordinate governments, other sports and tourism bodies.

He also refuted any suggestion that Australia might need a "dry run'' of a bid for 2018 before mounting a successful campaign. "We're 100 per cent focused on 2018 and that's where all our energies and efforts are being dedicated,'' Buckley said.

"We believe we will be a very strong competitor and ultimately we intend to be successful. The actual timeline hasn't been set out definitely by FIFA yet, but if previous scenarios are a guide we'll have to prepare the bid within the next two years.

``We've put a very strong submission to the government, and they're considering that at the moment.''

Buckley said that the other football codes are seemingly willing to support a bid despite the disruption it would cause through the ring-fencing of stadiums, because of the long-term benefits that would accrue.

"There have been preliminary discussions with the chief executives of all the sports that would be affected, and I believe there's in-principle support for advancing the bid,'' he said.

"Of course we'll have to work with them in more detail as to the impact it will have, but from what they've said so far they're supportive as they understand the benefits to all of Australia. We've already completed a detailed analysis on how other sports will be affected and how we can work with them to minimise the impact.''

A cost-benefit analysis of hosting a World Cup by consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers is believed to anticipate billions of dollars of extra economic activity.

Buckley declined to confirm what the analysis contained, but added: "The government have indicated very strong support in principle and we've submitted what funding we think will be required to mount a successful bid, plus a very detailed economic analysis which is with the Federal government now,'' he said.

 

[Guns of Melbourne]

Maybe this will cause Uncle Fwank to drop his conflict of interest role at Sydney FC.

 

[midfielder]

Some more news on the bid two interesting articles, first gov 5.4 billion dollar backing and second Bin Hammam  backing for 2018 not sure about 2022

First Fed gov bid

http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/soccer/cup-host-bid-gets-a-bonus-push/2008/10/11/1223145705141.html

Cup host bid gets a bonus push

Matthew Hall
October 12, 2008
Advertisement

AUSTRALIA'S bid to host the 2018 World Cup has been boosted by a report to the Federal Government suggesting that the tournament would deliver a $5.4 billion bonus to the nation's economy.

The Sunday Age understands the study, carried out by Price Waterhouse Coopers on behalf of Football Federation Australia, is before the Department of Treasury, which is considering the Federal Government's position on participation in a bid.

Minister for Tourism Martin Ferguson is understood to strongly support the bid and is keen to announce a formal declaration of intent by both the government and the federation.

"The minister understands more than most that just bidding for the World Cup will benefit Australia and the Australian tourism industry," claimed a source with inside knowledge of the bid.

FFA remains confident a bid for the 2018 World Cup is a serious proposition and not just a dress rehearsal for a more realistic tilt at 2022 even with both England and Russia lining up as rivals

Also working against Australia's campaign is that 2018 would be the third consecutive World Cup to be held in the southern hemisphere after South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014, a run of events that does not impress football's international powerbrokers in Europe.


Bin Hammam (OFC head) backing for 2018

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/asia/-bin-hammam-backs-australia-143230/

Bin Hammam backs Australia

10 October 2008 | 09:52 - SBS


Ally... Lowy and Bin Hammam have built a strong relationship in the last few years (Getty Images)

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hammam has put his support behind Australia's bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, declaring it Asias only serious contender.


He also said any talk of his homeland, Qatar, mounting a campaign to host the event in 10 years time was premature.

I saw one serious bidder and that's Australia, Bin Hammam, 60, told journalists in London on Thursday. Definitely I am very much supporting that.

Asias one and only World Cup, Korea/Japan 2002, was a huge success and boosted the region's interest in football.

We have seen the positive impact of the World Cup when it was organized in Asia in terms of reviving the interest of the people, Bin Hammam added.

Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy is now a member of the prestigious FIFA World Cup Organising Committee and, it appears, he is soon to sit on the executive board of the powerful AFC which can only help Australias chances of hosting the worlds biggest sporting event.

With South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, FIFA is expected to take the 2018 tournament to Asia or Europe with England and Russia having expressed an interest.

Despite his backing of Australia, Bin Hammam is aware that competition will be stiff with a feeling at FIFA that every third World Cup should be played in Europe.

I think they (England) have very good chances, he said.

The birthplace of modern football hosted the World Cup only once and it was 40 years ago. With all its passion for football there are lots of positive points supporting England.

The bidding process for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups closes in 2009. FIFA's executive will make a final decision on both editions before June 2011.

 

[Razorback]

I hope I'm wrong, but I can't see us beating England here for this one. Their History is something that is going to be hard to compete against. I think we are going to need to win the Asian Cup and bump up our ranking to win this. I'd love to be at one before I'm too old and if we miss this one it means we can't bid for 2022. Meaning 2026 is our next chance if we miss out on this one making me 45.

How the hell did the South Africans win 2010 world cup? Does anyone know who they were up against?

 

[FFC Mariner]

Dont knock it, Joburg 2010 here we come...........

Saving already

 

[Razorback]

I'm not knocking it just want to know who their opposition was. I've seen the stadiums that are being built and they are very impressive.

 

[northernspirit]

s.a had it in the bag due to the rotational policy which has now been scrapped, 2018 will go to europe... with 2010 in s.a and 2014 in brazil the powerbrokers in fifa will back a europe based bid for 2018 leaving us to fight for another bid, 2022 would be the smart choice to bid for

 

[Omni]

It's ludicrous that they're so focussed on 2018 - 2022 is the one to go for, it'll have been 20 years since Asia hosted it by then