Australia launches bid to host World Cup
Australia have never hosted a senior Fifa event
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Sunday, 01, Feb 2009 09:53
England will face competition from Australia to host the 2018 World Cup after the Socceroos launched a bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 tournament.
The Football Association have committed themselves to only entering the 2018 bidding despite Fifa giving associations the chance to bid for both tournaments simultaneously.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy confirmed that Australia would bid to host its first senior Fifa event.
He said: "We have submitted Australia's expression of interest in hosting either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
"This marks the beginning of a long and important journey, not just for football but for Australia, until we know the outcome in December next year."
The Australian government has reportedly given its backing to the bid by promising £19 million for the campaign over the next year.
Lowry felt that awarding the tournament to Australia for the first time would give them the opportunity to showcase the country in a unique way and leave a "lasting legacy" for the sport in Australia.
He added: "The bid will also help the world understand that Australia is a 'can do' country, where important, major events can happen with a minimum of fuss and a minimum of worry.
As well as England there have also been confirmed bids for the tournament from Japan, Qatar, Mexico, Russia and Indonesia.
Joint bids from Spain and Portugal and Netherlands and Belgium are also expected before tomorrow's deadline for applications.