Australia should concentrate on 2022 World Cup says Beckenbauer

By Duncan Mackay

December 11 – Franz Beckenbauer (pictured) has again praised Australia’s bid to host the World Cup but warned, that with the 2018 tournament set to come back to Europe, then 2022 is a more realistic opportunity.

Beckenbauer, an influential member of FIFA’s Executive Committee, has been a long-time fan of Australia’s and in July seemed to suggest he would support England to host the 2018 World Cup and Australia 2022.

The former German World Cup-winning captain and manager told The Herald Sun: “In terms of Australia’s bid, I think it’s a great bid.

“It’s perfect.

“And you also have the support of some very, very experienced people who know exactly how the bidding process works and what it takes to be successful.”

That was a reference to Andreas Abold, who was behind Germany’s successful bid to host the 2006 World Cup – which Beckenbauer was the chief organiser for – and South Africa’s to stage the 2010 tournament.

Abold, a close friend of Beckenbauer, has been hired by Football Federation Australia to help plot their campaign, including overseeing the 1,200 bid book that will set out in minute detail what stadiums will be used, accommodation plans and infrastructure details.

Australia is one of five candidates from the Asian Confederation bidding to host the World Cup.

But Indonesia, Qatar and South Korea have put themselves forward for only 2022 and Japan are considering doing the same.

Earlier this week Frank Lowy, the chairman of FFA, exclusively told insideworldfootball, that Europe should not be complacent and expect one of its candidates, who include England and Russia, to be awarded the 2018 World Cup automatically.

But Beckenbauer said: “To be realistic, the Europeans are trying very hard to get the World Cup back to their continent in 2018 after two consecutive World Cups going elsewhere.

“The 2010 tournament has gone to South Africa and 2014 is in Brazil, so for 2018 they’re [Europe] saying, ‘No, we want to bring the World Cup back’.

“For Australia, if it’s not 2018, then for 2022 there’s a very, very realistic chance.

“The 2022 World Cup is more realistic because of the Europeans.”

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