Australia 2022 cleared of breaking rules by FIFA

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

July 22 – Australian officials behind the country’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup, including Frank Lowy (pictured), have been cleared by FIFA of breaking the rules by giving unauthorised gifts to voters, it was announced today.

FIFA’s Ethics Committee said that it reviewed the allegations but decided there were “no grounds to open a formal case.”

They said that they considered the matter closed, even though it reminded Football Federation Australia (FFA) about the bidding rules.

The world governing body had started investigating last month after The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers reported some FIFA executive members were given jewelry and offered travel expenses.

The Australian federation said the pearl cufflinks and necklaces were presented at a private dinner after the FIFA Congress in Sydney in May 2008 eight months before official campaigning began.

Australia 2022 was cleared by the Government earlier this month and officials have now launched legal action against the Fairfax group, including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, which they were claimed were contained “serious defamatory”.

The decision is a boost to Australia with the FIFA’s team due to arrive to begin their inspection on Monday (July 26).

The FIFA inspectors will visit Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to see the stadiums, training venues, hotels, transport links and conference facilities detailed in Australia’s bid book.

Lowy said: ”I don’t think there is any doubt Australia is behind us.

“One or two articles in the press can’t detract from that.

“Most countries have some issues from time to time and you just work through them.

“It definitely hasn’t done lasting damage.

“I can say it was unhelpful, but no country is perfect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Lowy remains confident that Australia will triumph when FIFA’s Executive Committee votes in Zurich on December 2.

He said: ”I feel optimistic and I feel we have made a good case.

“There is sympathy for Australia.

“We are well known for staging world-class events and meet the best standards.

“We have been talking to the [FIFA] Executive Committee members.

“I’m not going to say we’ll get 24 out of 24 [votes] but I expect we’ll get a very good showing.

“I expect come December the world will be in favour of Australia for 2022.”

Contact the writer of this story at zib.s1738778009emage1738778009htedi1738778009sni@y1738778009akcam1738778009.nacn1738778009ud1738778009