By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
April 30 – Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup has hit a major barrier which could seriously undermine it after it was reported Australian rules officials are demanding up to $100 million (£61 million) to allow them to use the iconic-Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The Australian Football League (AFL) are demanding the huge figure as compensation as part of a row triggered by Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) refusal to guarantee the AFL an uninterrupted season in conjunction with the World Cup, the Herald Sun has reported.
The AFL – which has contract rights to the MCG until 2037 – has refused to release it for World Cup matches as it is reportedly unhappy with FIFA rules banning rival sporting events during the month-long tournament.
MCG chief executive Stephen Gough confirmed the stand-off with time running out to reach a compromise before the deadline of May 14 when all the candidates for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup have to submit their final bid books to FIFA.
Gough said: ”The MCC supports Australia’s bid for the World Cup, but we are awaiting confirmation that all of the obligations the MCC has have been agreed to by the AFL and FFA.”
The MCG is the largest stadium in Australia with a capacity of 100,000.
As well as cricket, it has also hosted the 1956 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games.
But it is also closely associated with Australian rules, including hosting the AFL Grand Final in late September each year.
FFA officials have already had to concede that it will not be able to include the new Etihad Stadium in Melbourne for the World Cup following a similar row with the AFL.
Earlier this month Frank Lowy, the chairman of the FFA, vowed that he would not let the AFL’s opposition to the World Cup ruin the bid.
He said: ”We’ll succeed without them.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734791596labto1734791596ofdlr1734791596owedi1734791596sni@y1734791596akcam1734791596.nacn1734791596ud1734791596
Related stories
April 2010: Lowy vows to succeed without help of AFL
March 2010: World Cup will not deprive Australia of own sport warns AFL boss
March 2010: Australia gets bid boost after compensation agreement
January 2010: Fowler hits back at Australian World Cup critics
January 2010: Exclusive – Row will not derail Australian World Cup bid promises Sports Minister