Australia's bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup

[midfielder]

Poms think we have a good bid..

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/australia/england-praise-aussie-world-cup-bid-288546

England praise Aussie World Cup bid
10 February 2010 | 12:52 - SBS EXCLUSIVE

England 2018 Ltd's chief of staff Simon Greenberg, the man entrusted with honing the and fine-tuning the country's 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, has saluted the "stiff" competition provided by Australia but remains confident of prevailing in FIFA's corridors of power.

The hot favourite for 2018 as a groundswell builds for the tournament to return to Europe after South Africa and South America enjoy hosting rights, the English bid has overcome a series of hiccups with the appointment of Chelsea communications guru Greenberg last December coinciding with a refocusing and renewed sense of purpose.

"We have a huge amount of respect for Australia's bid and FFA's chairman Frank Lowy is very well known over here," Greenberg told The World Game from the UK.

"His new Westfield shopping complex in west London is the biggest in Europe, so nobody is going to underestimate him as a businessman.

"It's no surprise to us that he's put together, with a number of others, such a capable and strong bid for two World Cups.

"We have excellent relations with the Australians and it's hard to fathom how things will pan out. But I'd say that we're feeling quietly confident at this stage (about 2018).''

World Football Insider, which assesses and gives points out of 100 to the merits of the 10 World Cup bids across various criteria, has put England just two points ahead of second ranked Australia for hosting rights, with Qatar and Russia a point further back, one ahead of USA.

Greenberg, who is also in charge of the bid team's communications, doesn't argue with that assessment.

He is wary of over-playing his hand despite the fact that it will take a seismic shift in sentiments for a European nation not to land the 2018 World Cup with joint bids by Spain and Portugal and Netherlands and Belgium also in the mix.

There is also a sentimental push for England hosts and winners in 1966 - to be chosen again.

"We're looking forward rather than backwards. There's a huge passion for football in England that goes right into the fabric of society," Greenberg insisted.

"Any team that comes to England will have a ready-made community to support them in sold out stadiums of which 16 are in consideration, including new state of the art grounds in Plymouth, Bristol and possibly Perennial strugglers Liverpool.

"There will also be stadiums like Wembley, St James' Park, the City of Manchester Stadium and Old Trafford available.

"It's a complex landscape with so many bidders and that makes it a hard fight. The last time around Brazil (for 2014) was just about the only bidder."

Greenberg rates Australia among "the best" bidders outside of Europe.

"You (Australia) have iconic stadiums and huge passion for sport in general, it's a new football frontier and there is clearly a very saleable story there to be told and to be sold," he explained.

England's bid is underwritten to the tune of $700 million by the British government, which includes security, infrastructure and tax guarantees. The government has also come forward with a $5 million cash loan.

Greenberg is wary of the favourites tag attached to the English, who will officially table their dual bid along with their rivals in May before a final decision is made in December.

"Being favourites 10 months out isn't necessarily a great position. You need to favourites going into the final vote. That's when it counts," he added.

"Paris was the hit favourite to host the 2012 Olympics up until the final days, yet London got it in the end. So we are very cautious.

 

[midfielder]

It's possible this, and reflects the joint Aust/Indonesia agreement signed recently, and discussed on this website... my gut feeling is still no...

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/australia/australias-wc-bid-rival-teetering-288106

Australia's WC bid rival teetering
9 February 2010 | 12:16 - SBS: Matthew Hall

Indonesias bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup appears close to collapse with the countrys government appearing unlikely to back the proposal.

However, Indonesian football authorities have publicly signalled they would consider a joint bid with Australia if they can still obtain government support from Jakarta for such a proposal.

The latest twist in bidding for 2018 and 2022 World Cups comes as FIFAs deadline for bids to guarantee government support is set to pass.

Indonesian football authorities admitted its government had yet to write an official letter backing the bid.

The Jakarta government believes the Indonesian Football Association should focus on grassroots development before considering an ambitious World Cup bid.

Without backing from the government, Indonesia will be disqualified from the bidding process, Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) deputy secretary general Dali Tahir told The Jakarta Post.

If we dont take the opportunity now, well have to wait for another 20 years.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and minister of youth and sport Andi Alifian Mallarangeng are the key figures to make this bid happen. We plead to them.

Its not just a PSSI event its a big event for Indonesians.

Indonesias minister for sport appeared to slam shut the bids coffin, claiming that hosting a World Cup should be lower on the PSSIs list of priorities.

The PSSI must put the focus on revitalising football development in the country, not anything else, Minister Andi Alifian Mallarangeng told the paper.

We have to pull ourselves to the top of the Southeast Asian region again, then well have to be one of Asias best. After that, we can talk about the World Cup.

While its own bid appears to be going nowhere, Indonesian football authorities claimed a joint bid with Australia was still a possibility but that support from Jakarta was still required.

Dali Tahir, PSSI deputy general secretary who has served on FIFAs Ethics Committee, also claimed the world governing body was poised to award Asia hosting rights for 2022, which would be a significant fillip for Australia's campaign.

FIFA has confirmed the 2022 World Cup will be held in Asia, Dali Tahir said, although FIFA has not confirmed that claim.

Australia and Indonesia have a chance but Australia doesnt want to face us head-to-head. They prefer to have us as a strategic ally.

"But without the guarantee letter [from the government], its impossible to join forces with Australia.

 

[midfielder]

AS I said a while ago Edihad is the AFL use during the world cup... BB said so in December when the AFL (by accident I am sure) made a big fuss in the media when the FIFA inspectors for the WC bid where in Town...

But somehow for whatever the AFL junro's just keep bringing it up again and again ... gotta love HA  every chance they get .... and you even more gotta love the language they use... "another blow to the WC bid" ... like its falling apart and yet the pommie post above is full of praise as was the report that Curious posted from the bid watchers...

Anyway hats off to one third of the Axis of Evil (herald Sun, 2AW, CH 7)

  http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl-blocks-ian-collins-world-cup-soccer-bid-for-etihad-stadium/story-e6frf9if-1225828923661

AFL blocks Ian Collins World Cup soccer bid for Etihad Stadium

Michael Warner From: Herald Sun February 18, 2010 12:00AM


THE AFL has scored again with Etihad Stadium chief Ian Collins all but closing the door on World Cup soccer being staged at the Docklands venue.

In the latest blow to soccer's bid to host the World Cup in Australia in 2018 or 2022, Collins said yesterday he would honour his stadium's 25-year contract to host AFL matches.

"It's pretty simple to us. Our major tenant is the AFL and they have pre-emptive rights on scheduling," Collins told the Herald Sun.

"And if the AFL decides that they want to schedule 100 footy matches here between February and September then they are entitled to do it.

"They have those rights. If it was in summer time it would be a different kettle of fish. But the real issue is the World Cup is going to be held during winter."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has declared Etihad Stadium off limits for World Cup matches - but Collins, until now, has been reluctant to weigh into the cross-code feud.


Related Coverage
Soccer: Etihad boss open to World Cup games

"The other issue is that there are a lot of contractual arrangements afoot here, whether that be naming rights or the commercial business with car parking. You can't just close those businesses down or jettison somebody out of the area when they have strong contractual rights," Collins said.

"The FFA (Football Federation Australia) and FIFA (world soccer's governing body) might want some of these things, and be quite dogmatic about it, but in the end they might have to compromise their position to ensure that people don't breach agreements."

Collins scoffed at suggestions FFA could use federal legislation to seize temporary control of Etihad Stadium if it did not come willingly to the World Cup party.

"I didn't know that we were at war ... and that's the only time I see where governments can seize control of private property," he said.



"This is all private investors, who have put money into a venture to make it happen. Basically, they are entitled to their return on that investment and it would be pretty hard for the Government to seize something without some substantial compensation. I don't think it has been thought through."

FFA has named the stadium on a list of 12 venues it hopes to use for World Cup matches.

In December, Demetriou said the AFL season would be cancelled if Etihad Stadium and the MCG were out of action.

Under FIFA rules, venues must be vacant for a month before the World Cup, with rival events halted for the duration.tournament

 

[midfielder]

AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam on the various bids sorry Qatar... he wants Asia to win the bid for the WC & for an Asian to be head of FIFA...

http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/27042-notes-from-afc-presidents-media-conference

Notes from AFC President's media conference
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 07:45

SEOUL: Flanked by FIFA Vice-President and AFC Executive Committee Dr Chung Mong-joon and Korea Football Association (KFA) President Cho Chung-yung, AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam addressed a media conference here at KFA House on Tuesday.

The questions from the floor were wide-ranging in nature, spanning Asian nations bids for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the other contenders, Dream Asia, and Asian candidacy for the position of FIFA President.

Notes from the press conference

On his visit and meeting with Korea Republic President Lee Myung-bak

Mohamed Bin Hammam: I am honoured and very glad to be here in Korea. I am touched by the reception I received from Dr Chung Mong-joon, KFA President Cho Chung-yung, the media and the football fans of Korea. I also took the opportunity to visit the Blue House and meet His Excellency, the President of Korea, Lee Myung-bak. We discussed the importance of sports, in general, and football, in particular. His Excellency the President explained in detail the efforts of Korea Republic to host the 2022 World Cup.

On the Korean bid for the 2022 World Cup

Mohamed Bin Hammam: I can understand why Korea wants to host the World Cup alone now after co-hosting it in 2002. I understand the reason behind the bid - it is a noble reason. The Government and KFA are fully behind the bid. The concept is one of bringing peace to the Korean peninsula through football. Hosting the World Cup is the right of all nations. And Korea have expressed a very legitimate wish.

Priority to bring World Cup to Asia

Mohamed Bin Hammam: For Dr Chung and myself, the first priority is to bring the World Cup to Asia. Who gets it is secondary. AFC has 46 member Associations and we are representing their interests.


On the Qatar bids strengths

Mohamed Bin Hammam: There are so many advantages if Qatar gets to host the World Cup. All the group matches can be played in venues which are within reasonable distance of each other. So one can watch more than one group match the same day. Secondly, Qatar will be representing the wishes and hopes of the Middle-East. The Middle-East also has the legitimate right to seek peace through football and an event like the World Cup can replace the sorry story of wars.

Asian candidate for FIFA Presidency

Mohamed Bin Hammam: We would like to see an Asian as the President of FIFA. This represents and reflects the importance of our continent. The AFCs slogan is The Future is Asia. And this is true in all spheres of the sport. I believe that the time has come for an Asian to come forward for this position. And there is more than one potential candidate available from Asia to lead world football. When we have that person I hope the whole of Asia will unite behind him.

On Dr Chung

Mohamed Bin Hammam: We have had our differences. We have used our differences for the benefit of Asian football. Today, our agreements are more than our differences. Now I and Dr Chung have more agreements than differences. I have to thank Dr Chung for making this happen because in our Executive Committee meeting in November 2009 he told all the members that the past was past and it was time to re-unite behind the AFC President.

On AFCs social responsibility project Dream Asia

Mohamed Bin Hammam: AFC cannot build stadiums but we can support all good ideas for peace through football. The concept is not to build infrastructure because AFC right now is not capable of doing that. The idea is to promote peace

 

[midfielder]

While our domestic competition is not without its problems .. see Fat Tony & Side Show Bob (Fold)... news coming out of the MLS in this bid year cannot be bad for us.. even better if not resolved by December ...

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/americas/mls-season-in-trouble-293027

MLS season in trouble

24 February 2010 | 11:00 - SBS: Matthew Hall

Major League Soccers scheduled 2010 season start next month will not happen unless increasingly frustrated players and league bosses can reach agreement on contact negotiations.

The dispute, which threatens to affect the US national teams preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, sees MLS players threatening strike action after talks between its union and the league broke down for the second time.

Players and bosses from the US professional league have so far failed to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement that would allow players freedom of movement between clubs and guaranteed contracts.

The league shutting down MLS in February would do real damage to the development of the game in the United States and to our efforts to prepare for South Africa, said Everton striker Landon Donovan, currently on-loan from MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy.

It is difficult to understand why the owners would take this course, when all we are asking for are the same rights enjoyed by other players around the world, not just in the biggest leagues, but in leagues of all sizes.

Donovans Galaxy team-mate Chris Klein added: We dont want a stoppage but our players are ready for one if that is what it is going to take.

Talks have been extended twice since missing an earlier January 31 deadline with yet another date for an agreement to be delivered set for this Thursday.

Most playing contracts in MLS are centrally-owned by the league rather than clubs, a situation that allows teams little control over its playing personnel and players no control over careers.

Under current MLS regulations, clubs are entitled to seek transfer fees for players off contract or players whose contracts have been waived leaving some players in limbo.

It is unfortunate that MLS doesn't see the modest changes we have proposed as being good for the league, especially since until these changes are made, more and more quality players who should be playing in MLS will not be doing so, said Bob Foose, the unions boss.

What were looking for are the same basic rights that players enjoy in other leagues around the world, said former national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller, now with MLS side Seattle Sounders after a long career in England and Europe.

 

[curious]

Fully support the players. The MLS conditions and minimum salary are nigh on criminal.

 

[dibo]

There's power in the factory, power in the land, power in the hands of the workers.
But it all amounts to nothing if together we don't stand - there is power in a union!

[/billy bragg]

 

[marinermick]

There's power in the factory, power in the land, power in the hands of the workers.
But it all amounts to nothing if together we don't stand - there is power in a union!

[/billy bragg]

didn't billy bragg also sing "just becuase you're gay, i won't turn you away"?

 

[dibo]

Could have done. Not the biggest Bragg fan, but I know that song.

 

[FFC Mariner]

and "I hate the arsehole I become every time I'm with you"

BB needs his own tribute thread

 

[marinermick]

BB needs his own tribute thread

on ya horse then

 

[FFC Mariner]

Could have done. Not the biggest Bragg fan, but I know that song.

Really? Thought it would be required listening and Great Leap forward played at every meeting?

Or is it all Paul "I'm not really a Socialist at all" Weller these days?

 

[midfielder]

Massive massive massive NEWS .... maybe Australia will be the only asian bidder...

I cannot see us pulling out ....

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/asia/afc-chief-calls-for-one-asia-bid-293277

AFC chief calls for one Asia bid
25 February 2010 | 10:15 - SBS: Matthew Hall

 
AFC President Bin Hammam... calling for one bid supported by all of Asia (Getty)
Asian Football Confederation President Mohammad Bin Hammam has called for Asia to back one bid for the hosting rights to the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups.


Bin Hammam told The World Game that the AFC should support just one bid so long as an Asian nation wins the rights.

Currently five AFC members Australia, Qatar, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia (who are officially still in in the running despite their goverment's non support) are registered as official bidders for either the 2018 or 2022 tournaments.

Id like all Asia to stand behind one bid, Bin Hammam said. Its not important which country wins but were determined to see the 2018 or 2022 WC in Asia.

Bin Hammams position suggests that four bids will have to withdraw from the race before FIFAs Executive Committee votes on the future hosts in December 2010.

The alternative is that AFCs four Executive Committee members shun four of their Confederations bids to put their collective weight behind one strong bid.

Bin Hammam, from Qatar, recently visited South Korea to meet President Lee Myung-bak and publicly made peace with former rival and fellow FIFA Executive Committee Member, Chung Mong-joon.

The AFCs other members on FIFAs powerful Executive Committee is Worawi Makudi from Thailand and Junji Ogura from Japan.

The World Cup in Asia is going to be the legacy of football in terms of new stadiums to be built and new fans to join the game, Bin Hammam said. The impact is definitely huge.

The World Cup can motivate the whole continent for all those years building up to the event. It can drive huge numbers of fans who are not football fans yet.

The World Cup can also have a positive influence on existing clubs. New fans are going to join the clubs and leagues, not to mention the commitments of the talented players and administration to be part of a World Cup in Asia.

Also on Bin Hammams agenda is the future participation of New Zealand team Wellington Phoenix in Australias A-League.

The AFC President has been vocal in his opposition to a team from the Oceania Football Confederation playing in an AFC competition.

 

[curious]

Id like all Asia to stand behind one bid, Bin Hammam said. Its not important which country wins but were determined to see the 2018 or 2022 WC in Asia.

The World Cup can motivate the whole continent for all those years building up to the event. It can drive huge numbers of fans who are not football fans yet.

I read those two comments, in particular the second, as a reference to the continent of Asia, not at all the Asian football confederation. I can't see him backing the only non Asian country over his own and others, especially considering his form re Australia. It wouldn't help him win a popularity contest in his region.

My guess...the politics for the backing of Qatar has begun.

 

[Jazzie]

Id like all Asia to stand behind one bid, Bin Hammam said. Its not important which country wins but were determined to see the 2018 or 2022 WC in Asia.

The World Cup can motivate the whole continent for all those years building up to the event. It can drive huge numbers of fans who are not football fans yet.

I read those two comments, in particular the second, as a reference to the continent of Asia, not at all the Asian football confederation. I can't see him backing the only non Asian country over his own and others, especially considering his form re Australia. It wouldn't help him win a popularity contest in his region.

My guess...the politics for the backing of Qatar has begun.

mmm ... looks like I'm going to have to look out the old Voodoo doll and Book of Curses again. May all their wells dry up and oil fields explode.

 

[curious]

And this article fits the other like a glove.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/asia/bin-hammam-backs-qatar-bid-290961

Bin Hammam backs Qatar bid

18 February 2010 | 11:11 - PA Sport

Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed Bin Hammam believes staging the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will provide the whole Middle East region with a lift it so desperately needs.

Qatar are up against fellow AFC members Australia, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia for the right to host the showpiece tournament in 12 years time, as well as bids from England, Russia and America. The Netherlands and Belgium, and Spain and Portugal have both submitted joint proposals.

"There are so many advantages if Qatar get to host the World Cup," said Bin Hammam about his home country's bid.

"All the group matches can be played in venues which are within reasonable distance of each other. So one can watch more than one group match the same day.

"Secondly, Qatar will be representing the wishes and hopes of the Middle East. The Middle East also has the legitimate right to seek peace through football and an event like the World Cup can replace the sorry story of wars."

However, Bin Hammam is equally keen to see the World Cup once again awarded to Asia following Japan and South Korea's successful co-hosting of the event in 2002.

Of the contenders, Qatar, South Korea and Indonesia have declared an interest in hosting only the 2022 tournament with the rest also vying for the 2018 edition.

"The first priority is to bring the World Cup to Asia. Who gets it is secondary. AFC has 46 member Associations and we are representing their interests," Bin Hammam added.

"I can understand why Korea want to host the World Cup alone now after co-hosting it in 2002. I understand the reason behind the bid - it is a noble reason.

"The Government and KFA are fully behind the bid. The concept is one of bringing peace to the Korean peninsula through football. Hosting the World Cup is the right of all nations. And Korea have expressed a very legitimate wish."

The decision as to who has won the race to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be announced on December 2.

 

[radar]

such a stable region

should be a shoo-in

 

[marinermick]

such a stable region

should be a shoo-in

qatar is a very stable and safe country these days (crtainly safer than sth africa or brazil) and you can bet your bottom dollar if they won it tens of millions of dollars will be poured into security

really the only thing from making it a brilliantly run world cup there would be the terrible heat smack bang in the middle of their summer

 

[radar]

such a stable region

should be a shoo-in

qatar is a very stable and safe country these days (crtainly safer than sth africa or brazil) and you can bet your bottom dollar if they won it tens of millions of dollars will be poured into security

really the only thing from making it a brilliantly run world cup there would be the terrible heat smack bang in the middle of their summer

Yeah I know Qatar would pour all their resources into security, but I can't help but think that every psycho in that neighbourhood would be doing the same thing. What better stage to operate on than the biggest sporting event in the world, right?

 

[marinermick]

such a stable region

should be a shoo-in

qatar is a very stable and safe country these days (crtainly safer than sth africa or brazil) and you can bet your bottom dollar if they won it tens of millions of dollars will be poured into security

really the only thing from making it a brilliantly run world cup there would be the terrible heat smack bang in the middle of their summer

Yeah I know Qatar would pour all their resources into security, but I can't help but think that every psycho in that neighbourhood would be doing the same thing. What better stage to operate on than the biggest sporting event in the world, right?

no doubt, but terrorists also look for easy targets and holes in security, which is why no major sporting event in the last twenty years has been subject to a terrorist attack

i actually believe that a world cup in qatar would be safer than in england or the usa