Everton manager backs Australia World Cup bid

July 16 – Everton’s manager David Moyes (pictured) has provided a boost for Australia’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup after backing their chances.

Moyes, in Australia with his Everton squad for a pre-season tour taking in matches against Sydney FC, Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar, was glowing in his praise of Australia as a potential host of the World Cup.

“I think Australia should get the World Cup, I do,” he said.

“I think the country can take it, I think it’s important [to have it] here because I see too much rugby league, rugby union [and] Aussie rules, and soccer’s the main game.

“So let’s get the World Cup here and let’s show them what it really means and what it’s like because you could certainly host it.”

Moyes, though, qualified his support by insisting that there would have to be better playing surfaces at the venues than his team has encountered so far at the Sydney Football Stadium and Etihad Stadium.

“You have hosted big competitions throughout the world before, you’ve got great stadiums albeit your pitches aren’t very good,” he added.

“That’s the one disappointment coming here I thought.

“You’ve got everything, all the sports, the stadiums, but your fields aren’t made for soccer the way they are back home.”