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November 28, 2009 15:51 PM
Australia Pushes To Host World Cup In 2018 Or 2022
By Neville D'Cruz
MELBOURNE, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd took time out on his Caribbean tour to meet FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, and again pushed Australia's case to hold a World Cup in either 2018 or 2022.
"The prime minister took time out of his busy schedule at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to meet with Jack Warner," said Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley, in a statement released in Sydney, Saturday.
"This follows on from the prime minister's visit to Zurich in July, in which he met with the president of FIFA, Joseph S. Blatter, in support of Australia's bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup.
"We understand the prime minister and Mr Warner discussed the value of sport in community development, and the growing popularity of football in Australia."
Buckley said the prime minister's commitment in meeting with leading FIFA Executive members was a boost for Australia's bid.
"The feedback we have received suggests that FIFA Executive members greatly appreciate the prime minister's time and effort in meeting with them, and in assuring them of his strong personal commitment for the bid," Buckley said.
Two weeks ago, Warner said in Nigeria that Australia "truly deserves" to host the FIFA World Cup.
"Australia created the best ever Olympics and demonstrated an ability to host and manage some of the biggest sporting events in the world with class, expertise and with a dedication to excellence," he added.
Buckley departs for Cape Town on Sunday to attend the draw for the 2010 World Cup.
-- BERNAMA
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