Lowy refuses to accept that 2018 World Cup is going to Europe

By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich

May 14 – The man leading Australia’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid says he will not be rushed into making a decision about which tournament to bid for.

Frank Lowy (pictured), chairman of Football Federation Australia (FFA), admitted there will be a lot more talking in the months ahead before Australia decides whether to go the way of Japan and concentrate on 2022.

There is widespread belief that 2018 will go to Europe when FIFA’s Executive Committee votes here on December 2.

Australia and the United States are the only non-European countries still hedging their bets and Lowy said: “There are six months to go and it’s not an official policy.

“I understand there is a consensus by some members but so far we haven’t withdrawn and I don’t see there is a need to do it.

“If and when it is appropriate we will make a decision.”

“There is a lot more work to be done to get ready for December 2.

“There will be lot of talking between now and then - and not just among us.

“This is a contest and we will contest it very hard.

“Australia is a very competitive country.

“The Sydney Olympics were the best in the world - and the World Cup will be too.”

Commenting on the recent agreement that ended months of squabbling over adopting stadiums traditionally used by rival codes, Lowy admitted: “There are four football codes in our country and they all have a place.

“It was never our intention to displace them and always our intention to accommodate them.

“You can call it squabbling or negotiation but it’s over.

“The differences have been amicably resolved.”

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