Warner hails Australia World Cup bid 17/11/2009 |
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Fifa executive committee member Jack Warner has described Australia’s chances of hosting the football World Cup as “excellent”.
Warner, who has been highly critical of England’s 2018 bid, pointed to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, which he believes were the “best ever”, as evidence that the country can host the world’s biggest sporting events.
“Australia being allegedly 'far away' is a bit of a ridiculous statement,” he said.
“God created the world round for a reason: distance is relative to where you stand. And the Australian continent is nearer to two-thirds of the world’s population than most other places, so what’s the fuss?
“If there is a country that truly deserves to host the FIFA World Cup, then it is the island continent of Australia.”
Warner added that Australia’s two consecutive qualifications for the World Cup, coupled with the fact that New Zealand will also be in South Africa next year, demonstrated the improved standard of football in the South Pacific.
“Just look how Australia has fared in football over the years, and [then look at] now. Even their neighbours, New Zealand, have qualified – what a fantastic achievement,” he said.
“Australia is known to be a sporting nation and a country of happy and warm-hearted people. If you ask me, Australia has an excellent chance of succeeding with its bid.
“Australia has assembled some of the best experts to give hands-on advice on strategy. I am impressed with what I see and I know that many of my colleagues are as well.”
Warner, one of 24 FIFA executive members who will vote in December next year on the World Cup hosts for 2018 and 2022, is said to influence three of the 13 votes required.
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