Australia can win 2022 World Cup but we need more support says Lowy

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

September 20 – Australia needs to make sure it increases its international support before the final vote to decide which country will host the 2022 World Cup, bid leader Frank Lowy warned today.

The multi-billionaire businessman, the chairman of Football Federation Australia (FFA), is confident that they are in a good position with less than three months before the vote by FIFA’s ruling Executive Committee in Zurich on December 2.

“This is the time, then next few months is the time but we’re not daunted by it,” said Lowy.

“It will be more of the same in terms of what’s already happened except it will be more intense.”

Australia’s bid has been overshadowed recently by rows with rivals codes, particularly Australian rules, but Lowy claimed that these are behind them now.

“The home front is covered because we have the support of the country we got support from both Governments which is important,” he said

“The big job now is to garner external support.

“I think realistically we have a very good chance [of being awarded 2022].

“But we still need support.”

Sydney was recently named the World’s Best Festival and Event City at a convention in the United States and Lowy is pinning his hopes on Australia’s popularity as a visitor destination helping win them the World Cup.

“Australia is very popular and when the FIFA delegates were here recently they had a wonderful time,” he said.

“The inspection went very well and Australia passed all the criteria with flying colours, but we expected that.

“The inspection should hold us in good stead.

“You need to pass the inspection but then many countries will pass the inspection.

“Importantly, there were no negatives or minuses from the inspection tour.

“And why not?

Australia’s a great place.”

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