By Duncan Mackay
January 20 – Players in the Hyundai A-League, including former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler (pictured), and clubs will show their support for Australia’s bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022 this weekend in the first of two “Come Play!” days this year.
All teams, including New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix, will wear special one-off designed “Come Play!” shirts for this weekend’s matches.
The one-off shirts, which reflect the imagery of Australia’s World Cup bid, will also be signed by the players and auctioned for charity after the conclusion of Round 24 of matches.
Each club has selected their charity of choice.
In addition, each match this weekend will be played with a “Come Play” branded match ball and from each game will be signed by both captains and auctioned for charity, with proceeds donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Last year Fowler, who now plays for North Queensland Fury in the Australian A-League and is the joint third top scorer this season with nine goals, was accused of supporting Australia’s campaign ahead of England’s after holding up a bid scarf.
But he has insisted that he hopes England’s bid to host 2018 wins.
Fowler’s side will be in action on Saturday against Brisbane Roar, whose side includes former Belgian international Pieter Collen and Netherlands striker Serginho van Dijk, whose country’s have launched a joint bid for the World Cup and are also among Australia’s rivals.
Ben Buckley, the chief executive of Football Federation Australia (FFA), said: ”As we lead into Australia Day on 26 January 2010, we are very pleased that this weekend each of the Hyundai A-League clubs will proudly show their support for Australia and Australia’s Bid.
“It is now less than 11 months until FIFA decide which countries will host World Cups in 2018 and 2022.
“So we have between now and then to show FIFA how passionate we are about hosting a World Cup in Australia. Support of the Hyundai A-League clubs and their fans is crucial to our success.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734798153labto1734798153ofdlr1734798153owedi1734798153sni@y1734798153akcam1734798153.nacn1734798153ud1734798153.
Related stories
November 2009: Fowler claims he is not supporting Australia over England