By Duncan Mackay
December 28 – Former Liverpool and Leeds United striker Harry Kewell (pictured) has claimed that a World Cup in Australia would be even more successful than when the country hosted the Sydney Olympics.
The 2000 Games were widely regarded as the greatest ever but the Socceroos star, who now plays for Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray, is convinced that if Australia is chosen to stage the 2018 or 2022 World Cup then it would be huge.
He said: “I have no doubt that Australia would do an even better job than we did with the Olympics and everyone still says they were the best ever.”
The bid has recently been the subject of controversy with Australia’s rival football codes claiming that if the country is awarded the tournament then it would force them to abandon their seasons.
The Government last week formed a special taskforce to try to resolve the row.
But Kewell, 31, has backed the role being done by Football Federation Australia (FFA).
He said: ”FFA seem to be doing a good job.
“Everything that I have seen so far and been involved with looks very impressive and hopefully it will convince the people who vote to pick us.”
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