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Australia bids for 2018, 2022 World Cups

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-01 15:04

SYDNEY -- Australia has tendered its formal bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cups, Football Federation Federation Australian chairman Frank Lowy said Sunday.

"We have submitted Australia's expression of interest in hosting either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments," Lowy said in a statement.

"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."

Expressions of interest from prospective Cup hosts were required to be with football's world governing body, FIFA, by Monday.

"As a nation, sport has provided some of our most compelling and defining national memories," Lowy said.

"We believe this is a passion and commitment that can be shared with the world, and it would form part of a living and lasting legacy to the world from Australia."

Lowy said he was confident of success, despite the strength of rival bids.

"We know we have the capacity, experience and expertise to deliver a successful FIFA World Cup," he said.

Other bidders include England, Russia, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Mexico and the United States, with China among other countries expected to lodge interest.

South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup.

FIFA has ruled out joint bids to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, affecting the planned bids of Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium.

The 24-man executive committee will vote on both hosts in December 2010.