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$45m bid to win World Cup
Tom Smithies
December 10, 2008 12:00am
EXCLUSIVE: AUSTRALIA'S hopes of hosting the soccer World Cup will be galvanised today when the Federal Government announces $45 million of funding for a bid to bring the 2018 tournament to these shores.
The unprecedented financial backing means Football Federation Australia has the resources to mount a serious bid for the world's biggest sporting event.
World governing body FIFA is expected to make a decision in two years on who will host the 2018 and possibly 2022 World Cups.
Although Australia faces a huge challenge in beating other contenders, including England and the US, the statement of intent behind the Government backing is crucial to a winning strategy.
The decision to approve the federal spending has been months in the making, with soccer chiefs making several trips to Canberra to present detailed models of the overall benefits in hosting a tournament that is sure to include games at the MCG and Telstra Dome.
Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis and FFA chairman Frank Lowy will detail the process by which the money will be spent, which is likely to include drawing up detailed plans for investment in infrastructure such as transport and hotels.
They will also try and head off criticism from other sports about Government funding for soccer that will approach $78 million, by highlighting benefits to the country in terms of upgraded facilities and an influx of tourists.
"The World Cup campaign is a separate project which is not taking funds from other sports," Ellis said last night.
"Hosting the World Cup would provide Australia a unique opportunity with great benefits to the wider community, not just the football fraternity . . . and bring significant economic benefit to Australia including boosts to tourism, infrastructure and jobs around the country."
Recent research by economist Dr John Williams of the New South Wales Parliamentary Library estimated that hosting the 2018 World Cup could contribute up to $5.4 billion to the economy.
The last World Cup, two years ago in Germany, was estimated to have brought two million international visitors and provided work to about 85,000 people.
The confirmation of funding is the culmination of a charm offensive nationally, and with every State Government to ensure each is aware, and supportive, of the legislative and funding requirements of a serious bid.
As well as major upgrades of transport networks and accommodation, a successful bid will require at least 12 stadiums with a seating capacity of 40,000 or more.
A list of suitable venues and potential new ones has already been compiled in an audit by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers.
It is believed venues listed in the 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.
The Socceroos made the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany after a 32-year wait to build on the success of Johnny Warren's pioneers in West Germany in 1974.
Having beaten Uruguay in a historic penalty shootout in Sydney to qualify, Australia advanced to the round of 16 after a 3-1 win against Japan, a 2-0 loss to Brazil and a 2-2 draw against Croatia.
It lost 1-0 to eventual winners Italy. A controversial 93rd-minute penalty converted by Francesco Totti ended Australia's dream run.