Kidman has her eyes wide open for Australian bid

By Duncan Mackay

December 1 – Hollywood star Nicole Kidman (pictured) has lent her voice to Australia’s bid for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Kidman narrated a promotional film being used by Football Federation Australia (FFA) as it showcases the nation’s credentials in Cape Town a year out from the decision on host countries for the two sporting extravaganzas.

Australia is detailing its offer to host a “no worries” World Cup in front of FIFA heavyweights as it goes head to head with nine rivals for the 2018 or 2022 tournaments.

One of the FFA’s major selling points is Australia’s ability to put on a World Cup that will be “fun, relaxed, safe and secure”.

Frank Lowy, the chairman of FFA, said: ”One of the unique aspects of Australia’s bid is the fact that we offer those four factors in tandem.

“We are a bridge between Asia and Oceania.

“We have significant experience in hosting major events.

“We have world class infrastructure and the capacity to improve it further; we are an attractive tourist destination; and Australians are multicultural friendly and welcoming.

“It would be everyone’s favourite away game.”

The new film was shown for the first time at a glittering ceremony hosted by Australia’s High Commissioner Ann Harrap and attended by several FIFA Executive Committee members including Franz Beckenbauer, Jack Warner, Geoff Thompson, Reynald Temarii and Mohammed Bin Hamman.

Lowy said Australians are also passionate about sport and are increasingly embracing the world game especially through the success of the Socceroos.

Kidman, the highest-paid female movie star in history whose credits include Moulin Rouge and Eyes Wide Open, is a self-described “soccer mum” whose children play at her home in Nashville.

Lowy said: ”Almost one million Australians play the game – boys and girls, men and women – which is a significant strength for our game.”

Kidman’s closing lines in the film include a strong emotional appeal to FIFA’s decision-makers.

She said: ”Our island home, the oldest continent on earth, has never hosted a World Cup.

“It would be a FIFA World Cup to be proud of.”

It was Australia’s second major coup of the day having earlier been able to announce that Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, had thrown his support behind their bid.

Lowy said: ”We have a story to be proud of as a nation, as a people and in football, and this package shares that story with the world.

“We want everyone to ‘come play!’ in Australia in 2018 or 2022.”

An online version of the book can be seen here.