Oz bid on track despite Blatter babble

Football Federation Australia has hit back at media reports suggesting Australia has waisted its time bidding for both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

“In response to recent comments by FIFA President Sepp Blatter FFA confirms it has been aware for some time that there is a push for the 2018 World Cup to be awarded to one of the European bidders,” read a statement from the national body. 
 
“FFA is not surprised by the President’s comments as they are reflective that those discussions have occurred in some quarters.”

Soccer International was on hand at the FIFA World Congress in March 2008 when Blatter first indicated that any non-European bid would be a long shot.
 
Chairman of FFA, Frank Lowy, reiterated today that Australia’s bid is for 2018 or for 2022.

“If we come to the view that we have a better chance for 2022, than 2018, we will act accordingly,” Lowy said.
 
Meanwhile, FFA CEO, Ben Buckley is today on the way to attend the African Cup Of Nations finals and the CAF Congress to press the claim for Australia’s bid for one of the World Cups.